The Reds struggled against Besiktas on Thursday without their inspirational captain…
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has backed Emre Can to continue impressing for the Reds, reports the Daily Mirror.
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The German midfielder has been playing well as part of a back three in recent fixtures, but was moved in to the middle of the park on Thursday evening.
In a disappointing defeat for the Merseyside club against Besiktas on Thursday evening Can was one of the few bright spots.
The penalty shoot out loss dumped the Reds out of the Europa League, but Rodgers saw some hope in the defeat from the 21-year-old. The player will become more important when captain Steven Gerrard leaves Anfield in the summer.
“I thought he was outstanding in the middle,” the Northern Irishman said. “He is such a top class football player. His pace, his power, his ability to read the game and his ability to take the ball are all so impressive.”
He continued: “He likes to play but he also like to play in that back three as well and drive forward. He gives us that confidence on the ball. He has played three or four positions for me and he is a top class footballer.”
Liverpool next play Manchester City on Sunday in what will be a massive game for both teams. The Citizens need a victory to keep within touching distance of Chelsea, while their Merseyside rivals could go in to the top four with three points depending on other results.