Brendan: Emre will be multi-functional
Emre Can will provide a multi-functional presence in the Liverpool squad, according to manager Brendan Rodgers, after the German made his maiden starting appearance at Queens Park Rangers today.
The 20-year-old was included from kick-off for the Reds for the first time since sealing a switch to the club from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, initially taking up a deep midfield role at Loftus Road.
Having made a pair of substitute cameos at Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in August, Can had previously endured an extended period on the sidelines due to an ankle injury suffered on international duty.
But Rodgers was satisfied with the 66 minutes clocked up by the No.23, who was withdrawn before the goals began to flow and the travellers eventually secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Harry Redknapp's team.
Asked about Can after the final whistle, the boss said: "Emre has come in and is a big talent. He is only 20 years of age but has got good experience for a young player.
"He worked his way through pre-season and got injured, then got back and was in a really good moment for us and then unfortunately got injured in the last international break.
"It has taken him up until the last 10 days to recover. Today I felt he was never going to last the game but if I could get him 60-65 minutes that would really help him.
"He can play in any one of those three midfield positions. He prefers to play in that holding and controlling role but he has also got the power and pace to run forward.
"He is a multi-functional player that can play in any of those three midfield positions. And he played at centre-half at Bayer Leverkusen and played in the Champions League at left-back, so he's a footballer who will do very well for us."