Of all the signings from last summer at Anfield, Emre Can has undoubtedly been the most reliable performer - albeit his fellow arrivals haven’t given him much competition for that title.

Arriving at Liverpool as primarily a central midfielder who could cover in a number of positions, Can actually spent much of his debut campaign as right-sided centre-back in a back three. Even as a component in Liverpool’s often uneasy defence, the youngster managed to provide some stability despite playing out of his natural position.

At just 21, Can is one of the hottest prospects in European football and his first season spent as part of the defence has not been particularly beneficial to his development. Of course, his discipline and game reading skills are likely to have blossomed, but keeping the shackles on a player so capable of dominating the midfield is an unfortunate consequence of Brendan Rodgers’ squad mis-management.

Performances within any side are always relative to one's team-mates. Yohan Cabaye was a shining light at Newcastle and has looked ordinary at PSG and this logic can be applied to Can. As a defender, he is nothing extraordinary and would not be considered a centre-back for any other top four challenging side. However, competing against an out-of-form Dejan Lovren and ageing Kolo Toure can make anyone look like a natural enforcer.

The German is at his best when used in a box-to-box role and was one of the stand out performers in the recent European Under-21 Championships - where he scored a wonderful goal that can be seen below. Unfortunately for Can, a change in Liverpool’s system to a 4-2-3-1 (which is widely expected) brings a lot of competition for the two midfield positions. The addition of James Milner to go with Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen increases the options for Rodgers, but Can should still be a 'must pick'.

https://vine.co/v/eiz27M7LW9J

Ideally, the two deeper roles would be fulfilled by Can and Henderson. The problem with that partnership is going to be their similarities. The lack of a natural sitting player could leave Liverpool open and, although Can can sit, it would be hugely restrictive to the biggest strengths in his game.

Can is the latest in a line of players, Milner and Henderson included, who have been held back by their own versatility. The ability to play in a number of positions is great for a manager, but it often damages the chance for a player to really make a position his own. Rodgers must place faith in Can to deliver as a central-midfielder, as they have a 21-year-old who has the potential to far eclipse the levels of any of their current midfielders.

As with any young player, Can is going to need cover. this could mean opting for a 4-3-3 instead using both he and Henderson in box-to-box roles, or rotating Can and Henderson in and out of the holding role. Much like almost every club at the moment, Liverpool are in real need of a top quality defensive midfielder to protect their vulnerable defence and give freedom to their talented midfield.

The requirement to sign a defensive midfield player may not be met and Liverpool are fortunate enough to be able to use Can in that role if needs be. This would restrict his marauding runs from deep and Rodgers must be thinking about how he can develop Can into one of the best around.

[ad_pod id='ricco' align='center']