3 things we learned about Emre Can following Liverpool eliminating Man Utd from Europa League

March 18, 2016

Liverpool became the first English side to knock Manchester United out of a European competition following the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Emre Can started in Liverpool’s midfield and here are three things we learned following his performance.

1. Leadership quality

Liverpool have lacked a leader since the departure of Steven Gerrard but could have themselves a new one in Emre Can. The Germany international of Turkish origin consistently puts in a shift, never drops his head or slumps his shoulders and has the ability to rally his teammates. Leaders do not necessarily need armbands but going by the reaction on social media many Liverpool fans think he deserves to be captain after his performance against United.

He's a leader and absolute class in front of back 4. Makes us tick he has everything does Emre can #lfc

— Marc (@marccartlidge) March 17, 2016

Emre Can there. Leader

— Maxwell Deitmar (@Maxwell205) March 17, 2016

Emre Can. Future Captain, future leader, future legend.

— Rahul (@DerTreppenwitzr) March 17, 2016

@LFCMostar Emre Can the Captain in waiting

— Nick (@NICKEIR) March 17, 2016

Emre Can. Beast. Tank. Mountain.

Future Liverpool captain.

— SH (@Sennesation) March 17, 2016

2. Big match player

Emre Can has now performed at the highest level in his last few big games including home and away against United as well as Manchester City.

Can was deployed in central midfield alongside captain Jordan Henderson and did an excellent job breaking up United attacks and not giving the opposition tie on the ball. The 22-year-old made a total of eight tackles – more than any other player – as well as seven blocks, four inteceptions, four clearances and won three aerial duals.

Emre Can game by numbers vs Man Utd:

8 tackles won
7 blocks
4 interceptions
4 clearances
3 aerial duels won

Huge. pic.twitter.com/T1g5waXnRp

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 17, 2016

3. Emre Can’s attacking contributions

Can’s passing against United was not particularly impressive with an accuracy of just 74 percent which is poor by his standards but he did create two goal scoring opportunities including providing Coutinho with an assist for the equaliser.

The 22-year-old now has two goals and two assists in all competitions for the Reds this season.