Emre well prepared for Palace challenge
Having watched Liverpool's last visit to Selhurst Park from afar, Emre Can knows exactly what to expect from a clash with Crystal Palace this afternoon, and the midfielder enters the contest buoyed by a confidence-boosting strike too.
The Reds were left dumbfounded in the corresponding fixture of last season; after taking a three-goal lead in their penultimate tie of a thrilling Barclays Premier League title race, a dramatic comeback by the hosts levelled the final result at 3-3.
Still a Bayer Leverkusen player at the time but aware of a potential switch to Anfield, Can was an interested observer of the May 2014 encounter, so is therefore under no illusions as to the challenge awaiting Brendan Rodgers' team when they return to the scene today.
Fortunately, the powerfully-built 20-year-old - who opened his account for the club during the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea 15 days ago - believes the physical and demanding nature of games such as these complement his personal approach perfectly.
"I watched the game in Germany," he recalled in previewing the side's return to action following the international break. "I think the first contact between Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen had been made, so naturally I took an interest in how they finished the season.
"At that stage I wasn't sure I would become a Liverpool player but I liked the way they played. I thought they were very unlucky at Palace. I have always liked English football and believed I would be suited to it.
"I think it is the best league in the world to watch, possibly the strongest league too. The conversation I had with Brendan Rodgers helped sway me, I could see he thought highly of me, but to be honest as soon as Liverpool showed interest it was a no-brainer.
"What I like about English football is that it is very quick, very physical. You hardly have time to breathe. That suits my game, and I haven't been disappointed. The one thing I learned very quickly is that you have to be physically 100 per cent ready to play in England."
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After sealing a transfer from the Bundesliga in July, Can's opening chapter at Liverpool was beset by injury, denying the German an opportunity to develop a rhythm in the fledgling weeks of the campaign with his new side.
But full fitness has brought chances from the manager in matches, and on his most recent run-out the No.23 was an impressive performer against Chelsea, blasting home a deflected deadlock-breaker past the league leaders.
It is a landmark that the midfielder is determined to build on, perhaps with the help of captain Steven Gerrard, who played a part in the aforementioned goal with an inspirational piece of advice for his younger colleague before kick-off.
"He told me it was a big game but it was my turn to shine," explained Can. "I see myself as a similar player to Steven but I don't know if I'll ever match all the success he has had.
"He has had a great career and is still playing very well. I like playing next to him - he helps me out and looks after me, like a big brother. He is still very influential.
"The goal gave me a confidence boost, especially after struggling a little bit at the start of the season. I was never quite 100 per cent fit for the first couple of months, and in England that can be crucial."