Can Emre Can be the man? (ESPN article)

by Dave Usher for ESPN

The dust has barely settled on a remarkable season for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers has already been linked with players all across Europe. They don’t call it “silly season” for nothing of course and some rumours obviously carry more substance than others. For instance, I’d say there’s more chance of the Reds landing Adam Lallana than there is Edinson Cavani but the most intriguing link for me is that of the young Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Emre Can.

It’s not the identity of the player I find interesting, it’s the profile. The 20-year-old German has been mooted as a possible long term successor to Steven Gerrard in the ‘controlling’ midfield role but by all accounts, he is capable of playing several positions to a high standard and versatility is a trait that Rodgers values extremely highly.

Last season Liverpool had the luxury of being able to select Gerrard any time he was fit and available. The lack of European football meant Rodgers’ team selection was rarely hampered by the need to rotate players in order to keep them fresh and after being switched to his new deeper lying role against Stoke City in January, the Reds’ skipper was an ever-present, and one unfortunate -- and sadly now infamous -- slip against Chelsea apart, his performance level was exemplary.

Next year will be a different story as Gerrard’s body will not stand up to playing twice a week and his playing time will need to be managed more carefully, so unless Rodgers believes Lucas (or possibly Joe Allen) is a viable alternative then Liverpool will be in the market this summer for someone who can fill that playmaking role in front of the defence.

Read the full article here.