Emre Can’s had his fair share of criticism this season, but another stellar display in the absence of captain Jordan Henderson saw the German gain a huge round of praise following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Ridiculed for a lack of consistency and class in the middle of the park, Can was one of the stand out performers at the Etihad, bringing steel and grit to Liverpool’s display. Having scored the winner against Burnley last weekend, Can is certainly proving he has much more to give to this side with contract talks still at a standoff.
Here’s how fans reacted to Emre Can’s performance at the weekend. Do you agree?
Got to be Emre Can's best performance for #LFC. Thought he was immense today.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) March 19, 2017
Emre Can has been very good for Liverpool so far.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) March 19, 2017
Emre Can has been outstanding.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) March 19, 2017
Leaving the Etihad. A very good game of football & a draw a fair result. Emre Can the standout performer. A slicked-haired midfield monster
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) March 19, 2017
Credit has to go to Can for how he’s reacted after such a poor patch of form. The snide and cheek we have witnessed in recent weeks, most noticeably against Arsenal, has given this team something it’s lacked since the days of Javier Mascherano and co., causing some to suggest he should retain his spot even when Henderson returns from the sidelines - a stark contrast to previous comments on the young midfielder.
The 23-year-old is very much playing for his future, with contract talks at a standstill. Whether it be down to wage demands or playing time, Liverpool would be foolish to let the midfielder leave Anfield in the summer.
We shouldn't for one second think about selling Emre Can - for his age he's performing at an incredible level
— James Pepper (@pepperja) March 19, 2017
Lastly, Emre Can was brilliant once again. 23-years-old & will only get better with time. Offering him a new deal shouldn't be in question.
— Dharma Bhagalia (@Kloppholic) March 19, 2017
While football fans of the modern era will always pick little holes in players performances, the consensus is very much that Emre Can should be a Liverpool player for the foreseeable future. With performances like this weekend, there’s no wonder clubs like Juventus are keeping a watchful eye on Can’s future.