Liverpool’s Emre Can explains his new role, and the benefits of it

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The 22-year-old has taken up a more offensive position so far this season.

Liverpool’s Emre Can celebrates

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has told the club’s official website that he is enjoying the responsibility that goes with his new position this season.

Can has started each of the last four league games for the Reds, and has started to contribute in front of goal having found the net in each of the last two games.

For much of last season, the German was given a role in front of the back four where he shielded the defence a lot more – acting as the deep-lying midfielder.

That responsibility has been given to Jordan Henderson, which has allowed Can to become a more attack minded player.

The 22-year-old told liverpoolfc.com: “I’ve played a little bit differently to last season – I’ve been playing offensively, so I think I make the runs into the box more​.

“I always want to score more goals – the target is always to score more – so it’s nice that I’ve scored the two goals, but the most important thing was that we won both games.

“My position has changed a little bit [this season], but not too much. Last year I played more in the role of holding position and this year I’ve been playing more in the half-spaces. It’s nice I can play both positions.”

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Liverpool’s Emre Can

The fact he can play more than one role in the midfield is handy for Jürgen Klopp as he can make changes without looking to his substitutes. If there is a case when Liverpool are trying to see the game out then Can can sit alongside Henderson and offer that bit more protection in front of the back line. Having some more versatility in the side allows Klopp to make slight alterations to the system if need be, depending on how the game is panning out.

It’s of little surprise that the Liverpool boss will have wanted his players to add more strings to their bows. In the case of Can, he seems to be growing in his role with more game time.

Watford’s Etienne Capoue in action with Liverpool’s Emre Can