Emre Can

[aws]

Come on AWS, what's neggable about that?

 

The pronunciation is correct.

 

There's even a direct link to Onassis.

 

JO was married to JFK.

 

JFK was a president who said "Ich bin ein Berliner".

 

Berlin is in Germany.

 

Another US president who has been to Germany is Barack Obama.

 

Obama had a campaign slogan "Yes We Can".

 

If you pronounce the "can" the same way as Emre it sounds like Chan.

 

See - direct link.

.

Sorry - that neg was a mistake. Didn't even realise I'd done it.

 

Accept it as a badge of honour.

[Sugar Ape]

The question: Just how good is Liverpool target Emre Can?

 

Liverpool have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can, who could cost the Reds around £10 million. But after challenging for the Premier League title on the final day of the season and guaranteeing Champions League football next season, Liverpool fans will be wanting the club to sign top quality players. So, how good is Emre Can?

 

Can is only young. At the tender age of 20, he has many years left ahead of him at the top level – a whole career in fact. The midfielder who can also play left-back would be a good signing for Liverpool, depending on the price, as his talent at such a young age is exciting, while the potential waiting to be unlocked can be matured under Brendan Rodgers.

 

Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan have both flourished at the club over the past few months and it’s all down to Rodgers’ coaching and tutoring. Can is versatile and excellent with the ball at his feet. He’s a raw talent and will need some work but in a year or so, with proper coaching aiding him, he could become a real star.

 

Let’s see how he compared to some of Europe’s better central midfielders last season, using Squawka’s Comparison Matrix.

 

Can played 29 times last season, drifting from playing left-back to central midfield so his statistics will be slightly skewed but it is still interesting to take a look at what he brings to the table at his age.

 

Compared to his Bayer teammate Lars Bender, Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin, Juventus’ Arturo Vidal and his possible rival for a place at Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, Can doesn’t shine too often in the statistics, but he is young.

 

Over an average of 90 minutes, Can completed 32.97 passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. That figure placed him fourth ahead of Bender (32.91). Liverpool leader Gerrard tops the scale with an impressive 58.1 successful passes per 90mins. However, these figures may be slightly misleading as Bayer Leverkusen do not play the possession and passing game to the extent that Liverpool do, so Gerrard is far more likely to complete more passes than Can.

 

Gerrard also beats his rivals in the chance creation department, too. The Englishman created 2.08 chances per 90 minutes last season. Can is bottom out of the five players having created just 0.66.

 

His shot accuracy of 44% is not great either but it is enough to place him third. Gerrard, once again, comes out on top with a shot accuracy of 65%. Vidal (40%) and Schneiderlin (33%) prop up the list.

 

In terms of tackles, it is the Chilean Vidal who comes out on top. He played 32 Serie A matches last season but averaged out over 90 minutes, he won 3.54 tackles. Lars Bender was not far behind with 3.34 while Can’s 2.46 was just better than Gerrard (2.21).

 

Finally, though, Can wins a battle against the four midfielders. He is an excellent dribbler and has extremely quick feet, switching the ball from one foot to the other as fast as a blink of the eye.

 

 

He completed three take-ons per 90 minutes last season, much better than everyone else. Bender is second in the list on 1.84, showing just how good Can is with the ball at his feet. He could even be used in a more advanced midfield position, which could be more suited to his youthful exuberance.

 

The final department we must delve into is interceptions that Morgan Schneiderlin leads in with 2.21 per 90mins. Can averaged 1.81 which was better than both Vidal (1.44) and Gerrard (1.46).

 

So, judging by the statistics at hand, Can holds up quite well. He only wins one department but we must take his age into account. Up against the likes of Bender, Vidal and Gerrard, anyone would come out third or fourth best, but Can holds his own and clearly has a lot of talent – but most importantly, a lot more potential.

[Sugar Ape]

Dortmund centre-back Manuel Friedrich failed to anticipate Can moving into the passing lane.

Can's interception led to Leverkusen central midfielder Gonzalo Castro playing in Leverkusen left-forward Heung-Min Son.

 

Can was a one-man counter-attack against Augsburg.

Starting from inside his defensive half, he powered into Augsburg's penalty box, before slotting the ball past Augsburg goalkeeper Marwin Hitz.

[Sugar Ape]

Once Can created separation, he routinely demonstrated his ability to function as a creative outlet.

Can's lofted inswinging pass found Leverkusen centre-back Omer Toprak, who directed his header past Werder Bremen goalkeeper Raphael Wolf.

 

Can extended play by evading Schalke left-back/left attacking midfielder Christian Fuchs and clipped a ball to Toprak, who was denied a headed goal by the crossbar.

[Sugar Ape]

Can identified a mismatch with Leverkusen centre-forward Stefan Kiessling playing off the shoulder of Wolfsburg defensive midfielder Slobodan Medojevic, who had dropped deep into the centre-back zone.

Not only was it a dazzling through-ball that bypassed Wolfsburg's back line and played in Kiessling, Can validated his range as he was inside his defensive half when he released the pass.

 

Mainz centre-back Stefan Bell whipped in a low cross because he was afforded space by Can, which led to Mainz left attacking midfielder/centre-forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting creatively scoring via a backheel.

[Sugar Ape]

Can did not close down Hertha right-back Peter Pekarik.

Can subsequently overcompensated and jumped too early, which led to him partially deflecting Pekarik's cross toward Hertha central midfielder Tolga Cigerci, who forced a great save from Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

 

There was no communication between Leno, Can, Leverkusen centre-back Philipp Wollscheid and Leverkusen central midfielder Simon Rolfes when under siege against Nurnberg.

Wollscheid slid across the pitch attempting to block then-Nurnberg central midfielder Makoto Hasebe's shot.

Leno tip-toed forward as Rolfes ball-watched, while Can inexplicably hindered Leno's vision of Hasebe's shot, which hit the post. 

If Can stayed in his original position, he would have intercepted Hasebe's shot.

[Sugar Ape]

http://bleacherrepor...-steven-gerrard

 

Here are aspects in Can's game that he needs to improve:

• Crossing: misplaced 47 of 57 crosses.
• Discipline: in one month, he picked up six yellow cards and one red card in all competitions. 
• Pass accuracy: his 77.9 pass completion percentage is below the Liverpool average (84.5).
• Shooting: his 11.6 shots per goal average is inefficient.  

 

Bottom Line

Rodgers and Liverpool's front office are not signing Can based on form, which is a risk. 

Publication Bundesliga Player Ranking     Bild 124 Kicker 104    

Source: Bild.de.

Source: Kicker.de.

Can is inconsistent, is a volume-shooter, has no set position, lacks discipline and is still a work in progress. 

Rodgers is following Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's mantra in betting on upside than current form.

Here are two relevant Liverpool examples backing up Rodgers' decision to sign Can: Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho.

Chelsea management viewed Sturridge as a winger and then-manager Andre Villas-Boas wanted to convert the Englishman into a Hulk-type player, per Duncan White at the Telegraph.

Inter Milan wanted to sell Coutinho to fund a transfer for then-Corinthians central midfielder Paulinho (who later joined Tottenham Hotspur), per Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia).

Since joining Liverpool, Sturridge has scored 31 goals and registered 10 assists in 43 Premier League games.

Coutinho flashes world-class play and created seven goals in the Premier League last season.  

Can exhibited resilience by making it at Leverkusen after limited opportunities at Bayern.

Over the next few years, Can has the potential to replace Gerrard.

Should this happen, it would vindicate the FIFA technical study group's decision to highlight Can as an outstanding player during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, per FIFA.com.

[Sugar Ape]

The 20-year-old has been earning rave reviews for his outstanding performances in the Bayer Leverkusen midfield this season. In fact, his game has developed so quickly since leaving Bayern Munich that Liverpool are keen to put together a deal to bring the talented youngster to Anfield this summer. Here, German football writer KIT HOLDEN explains what all the fuss is about.

 

So who is this guy I'm hearing whispers about?

Name: Emre Can
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Age: 20
Position: Midfield/defence

 

 

+5

Wanted man: Emre Can has been on such good form this season Liverpool are keen on signing the youngster

 

I’m going to need more than that...

Can is one of the most versatile young players in the Bundesliga.

 

Having spent most of his career so far in the youth set up at Bayern Munich, the Frankfurt-born player was one pipped for the top from an extremely early age.

After only four first-team appearances at Bayern, though, Can's star faded during the 2012/13 season, and so in the summer of 2013 he chose to make the switch to Leverkusen.

 

It has done him a world of good, and he has developed into an invaluable midfield force for his new club. He has also represented Germany at every level from Under 15 to Under 21.

 

 

 

So why all the fuss?

The German-Turkish star is not just on Liverpool's radar. When Bayern sold him for £4.5million last summer, they were quick to ensure there would be a buy-back option in the deal.

 

The German giants have a proud history of developing their own players, and for a long time it seemed Can would become as much of a Bayern regular as Thomas Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger or Phillipp Lahm.

 

Should Liverpool manage to snap him up from Leverkusen just one year into his four-year contract, it would be quite a coup: much to both Bayer and Bayern's disappointment.

 

What’s his style?

Can prefers to play in central midfield - 'either attacking or defending, I don't care either way' - but has been employed as a centre-back and a left-back on various occasions.

 

As captain of the German Under 17s team, he was the calming influence at the heart of play. His physical strength is of particular use going forward, though he is rarely overly reckless.

 

It has been remarked on several occasions that Can seems to have a maturity beyond his years, and his technical ability as a playmaker, either from the back or the front, is now beyond doubt.

 

So, a bit like?

The most commonly drawn comparison is Schweinsteiger. And not only because the young Can puts as much effort into his hairstye as Schweinsteiger once did.

 

His ability to switch effortlessly from defence to midfield, his dangerous shot, and his control over the pace of the game all do remind one of the established Bayern star.

 

For those watching his marauding runs through the centre at Leverkusen this season though, Toni Kroos has always also sprung to mind.

 

It is little surprise that these two Bayern stars have had an influence on Can's play. He has trained with them, or at least in close proximity to them, for several of his formative years.

 

 

+5

Rise to prominence: Can left Bayern Munich for Leverkusen after failing to establish himself in the first team

 

How much is he worth and what happens next?

Leverkusen signed him on a four-year contract for £4.5million last summer, but his successful season has seen his value shoot up since then.

 

Bild reported on Monday that Liverpool would have to shell out at least £12million for him, though even that would undoubtedly be a sensible investment.

 

His effect would not only be limited to himself, moreover. Can was Liverpool academy striker Samed Yesil's captain in the German youth teams, and if the young striker were to return to fitness, Can's presence may see him break through at Liverpool.

 

 

 

Everyone has a weakness...

Some questioned Can's mentality after he failed to break into the Bayern first team as quickly as predicted, despite public support from Jupp Heynckes.

 

That is a little unfair considering the wealth of talent Bayern have in that position. There would be a similar fight for places at Liverpool, however, and it would be interesting to see how he rises to that challenge now.

 

On the field? There's little to criticise, though by his own admission, he is not the greatest header of a ball.

 

 

 

+5

 

+5

 

Comparisons: Can has been likened to Bayern midfield stars Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos

 

What happens next?

The likelihood of Can joining Liverpool depends on which way you look at it. His agents at International Sports Management have a good relationship with Brendan Rodgers and were allegedly instrumental in clinching the deals for Yesil and Nuri Sahin in the past.

 

Nonetheless, Leverkusen will kick up a fight. Squad manager Michael Reschke has stated that: 'We will do everything in our power to keep him. Another year of development here is important for him,' while director of sport Rudi Voller has denied any contact from Liverpool so far.

 

Most experts in Germany see little hope that Leverkusen will hang onto him. The threat from former club Bayern Munich shouldn't be an issue this summer, as the buy-back clause can only be activated from 2015.

 

Anything else I need to know?

His surname is pronounced 'Chan', like Jackie. He also shares his full name with a Turkish Grand Master of Chess.

[Sugar Ape]

After getting their man for a £10 million price that could prove a bargain, the Reds can look forward to an athletic presence in central midfield who can dribble as well as defend

PROFILE
By George Ankers

Liverpool's summer business continues apace as the club announced on Thursday that they have secured the signature of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen.

After the arrival of veteran Rickie Lambert, however, this move is a return to the youth-skewed transfer strategy that has paid dividends for Brendan Rodgers over recent years. The Reds are getting a very tidy 20-year-old who could go on to make his £10 million fee look like a bargain.

YES HE CAN

EMRE CAN FOR LEVERKUSEN GAMES PLAYED
GOALS
ASSISTS 39
4
4

Turkish by descent but German by upbringing, Can is keen to make a splash in the Germany national team and, but for the sprawl of top midfield talent at Joachim Low’s disposal, might have already earned a chance to make his debut. If he were English, his opportunity would likely have come by now.

He comes to Liverpool with some fine pedigree. After four years in the youth setup at Bayern Munich, he joined Leverkusen only last summer as a result of the extreme competition for places at the Allianz Arena – the Bundesliga champions, however, still rated him highly enough to insert a buy-back clause in his contract.

Such a return was not considered out of the question when Can’s performances for Leverkusen started to attract attention, though Bayern preferred that he spent a second year elsewhere in the Bundesliga before being summoned back home.

The youngster played 39 games for his club last term, 32 of those starts, proving himself to be a versatile and capable talent. A burly defensive midfielder in his most natural role, Can - who played alongside new team-mate Samed Yesil for Germany at the Under-17s World Cup in 2011 - has also filled in across the back line at times and can push forward as well.

 

He is set to provide competition and cover for Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Lucas Leiva and Joe Allen and looks a natural fit for the style being cultivated by Rodgers at Anfield. One of the happier sides at the top of the Premier League to give up the ball, Liverpool showed real ruthlessness on the counterattack in 2013-14 and Can relishes such situations.

Strong and athletic, the Germany Under-21s international is good at winning the ball back and driving forward before releasing a searching, direct pass. His comfort on both feet is a useful bonus in building a quick move – allied to an agile change of direction, it helps to make up for a relative lack of pace.

Can has all the tools to become a very good deep-lying midfielder; he is already a useful one. He is not yet the finished product, though, with work still to do on his positioning and a tendency to let his discipline shake a little when things go against him that should, at least, diminish as he matures. There is room to improve in the air and when shooting from distance, as well.

In the short term, Can is likely to be a rotation option for Rodgers but could force his way into a bigger role sooner rather than later if his development continues at its current pace. Indeed, the role newly occupied by Gerrard as a deeper but attack-relevant midfielder looks like being the most natural fit for the youngster in the long term.

If that is the aim of the signing then Rodgers has planned for it very well but, either way, this is exciting business for Liverpool.

[El Dangerous]

Does anybody have any links to some in depth analysis of Can's play?

[ZonkoVille77]

Does anybody have any links to some in depth analysis of Can's play?

fuck all anywhere on the net about him.

[Mathewbet1]

[JohnnyH]

He looks tired.

[Elite]

He looks tired.

He's just come out of a meeting with Ayre, I'd be exhausted.

[Jairzinho]

He looks tired.

 

He's been reading his thread.

[Russ Atmosphere]

It's a novel alternative to waterboarding.

[Stu Monty]

He's just come out of a meeting with Ayre, I'd be exhausted.

 

"Can you get off my shoulders now Mr Ayre?"

 

[Saintslfc13]

Does anybody have any links to some in depth analysis of Can's play?

 

Think Sugar Ape is a fan, maybe PM him about it?

[Mathewbet1]

I wish some would post multiple gifs of Emre Cans superb play it will set mind at ease that we have indeed signed a superb player.

[Brigant Moloch]

Can's OK. He'll be a star. 

[Boss]

He'll become the greatest German ever, eclipsing Boris Becker and his denied wardrobe child, and also Baron Von Richthofen, whose moniker will be taken and forgotten in the annals of history as Can will forever be remembered as Liverpool's " Red Baron".

[Anubis]

He'll become the greatest German ever, eclipsing Boris Becker and his denied wardrobe child, and also Baron Von Richthofen, whose moniker will be taken and forgotten in the annals of history as Can will forever be remembered as Liverpool's " Red Baron".

 

He's no Red Skull.

[Pureblood]

From what I can gather he sounds like solid back up to an already talented midfield.  He'll have to be some player to find a regular starting spot.  Hopefully he will.  

[Strontium]

Can's OK. He'll be a star.

Not just a star, the whole constellation; Canis Major

[El Dangerous]

Looks like a really strong runner. I love me some Joe Allen but having a strong dominant midfielder next to Hendo to bring the ball out will be a great option.