Emre Can wants midfield role next season

Posted Saturday, August 01, 2015 by squawka.com

Emre Can has told the Evening Standard he wants to play in Liverpool’s midfield for the coming season, after spending the majority of last season in defence.

The 21-year-old made 15 of his 27 appearances from defence for Brendan Rodger’s last season, and impressed with his composure.

However the highly versatile Germany Under-21 international also featured at right-back, holding midfield and central midfield.

Can has no doubts about where he wants to play, saying: “A midfield role is preferable; of course it is the manager who decides who plays where.

''We’ll see where he choses to play me this season. It is up to the manager but my preference is midfield.”

Can made more defensive actions, 5, per game than any other Liverpool midfielder, which can be linked to playing as part of a back three under Rodgers.

Only Steven Gerrard (21 metres) had a further average passing length than Can (19 metres) highlighting his range of passing if Rodgers does decide to play him in a midfield role.

Can was successful with 56% of his tackles, making 66, more than any other player aged 21-years-old or younger, while he also completed 74% of his take-ons and 58% of his aerial duels.

In the same category Can was in the top five for clearances (87) and interceptions (38).