Emre Can outperforms Wijnaldum despite roasting from Liverpool fans on social media
The Reds suffered an embarrassing 3-1 defeat against reigning Premier League champions Leicester City at the King Power stadium on Monday 27 February and going by the reaction of Liverpool fans on social media, Emre Can appeared to take a lot of the blame.
See More: Emre Can is like a ‘snail moving in treacle’ – Liverpool fans roast midfielder following defeat
Can has come under fire over recent weeks while summer signing Gini Wijnaldum has been widely praised.
Did Can deserve to be heavily criticised in the Leicester City game? not according to the stats.
Can replaced captain Jordan Henderson going into the Foxes clash and started alongside Wijnaldum in central midfield.
According to Whoscored Can completed more passes (71) at a higher accuracy (85%) than Wijnaldum as well as more tackles (6), clearances (8) and won more aerial balls (7).
The Germany international of Turkish origin did play in defence later on in the game which could explain his defensive stats being superior but he also contributed more in the final third.
See More: For the latest Emre Can news and everything else you ever wanted to know about the Liverpool star
Can had 98 touches on the ball, second only to James Milner and provided Philippe Coutinho with an assist in a well worked goal involving a penetrating forward run and a clever one-two passing combination.
Wijnaldum’s misplaced pass close to the halfway line led to Jamie Vardy’s opening goal.
The Vardy goal#LeiLiv #lcfc #lfc #pl #mcfcpic.twitter.com/l8bjq7vAJt
— Πίτερ (@CyprusPete) February 27, 2017
Considering Liverpool lost 3-1 it is not surprising that there has been a backlash but it does feel at times that Can is being picked on. There have been times this season when the 23-year-old has genuinely warranted criticism but his display against the Foxes was by no means a poor display.
