Emre Can comments on his battle to get back into the Liverpool side and their strength in depth

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Can has made just one start for Liverpool so far this season.

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can admits he has something of a battle on his hands to get back into the side, and has praised the strength in depth the side has during an interview with the Liverpool Echo.

Can has been struck by injury in the early part of the season because of an ankle problem and a lack of fitness after arriving late to the side’s pre-season following his participation at Euro 2016 with Germany.

The midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana has worked well in recent games.

Can made his first appearance since recovering from that ankle injury as a second-half substitute in the EFL Cup win over Derby County on Tuesday evening.

He is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “If you saw the last few games we were very strong and we have to keep it up. If you play with good players the levels go up, it is normal.

“It’s not easy but I have to be patient. I try to train hard and if I get game time then I try to play well and then we will see what happens.

“Adam, Hendo and Gini have played well together – you can see by the results and the good football. I saw it as well myself and I was very happy for them.

“Every player has to start from zero – myself as well. Now I am back I want to stay healthy and show myself again when I get game time and also in training.”

It is a positive thing for Liverpool that someone like Can – who became an integral part of the Reds’ side in the latter stages of last season – is struggling to get into the starting XI.

It is testament to how well the midfield trio of Wijnaldum, Henderson and Lallana has worked so far. Many would have put Can in their starting XI in the summer if everyone was fit.

Henderson’s form as the midfielder playing in the deeper role in the past few matches could mean Can has a real fight on his hands and many view that as his best role. It will be interesting to see if his role involves him playing further forward if he gets back into the starting XI.

It cannot be a bad thing for the Reds if a player as talented as Can faces a huge task to hold down a place in the starting XI.