3 things we learned about Emre Can following Liverpool draw against Dortmund

April 8, 2016

Liverpool held German giants Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League quarter-final first-leg.

Emre Can started in central midfield and played the full 90 minutes for the Reds in what was his first European game against Dortmund since joining the club.

Here are three things we learned following his performance.

1. No player has won more tackles in the Europa League than Emre Can

Emre Can is renowned for his physical presence in central midfield and often disrupts the opposition with his important tackles and interceptions. The combative midfielder has actually won more tackles in the Europa League than any other player. Can has won 27 tackles since the start of the tournament – including three against Dortmund yesterday.

No player has won more tackles in the Europa League this season than Emre Can.

— The Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) April 8, 2016

2. Passing still off

Can was criticised for having a 68 percent pass accuracy against Tottenham last week and he was not much better against Dortmund with just a 79 percent success rate. The 22-year-old could really do with improving this aspect of his game considering he plays in a position that demands precision passing.

3. Dribbles like Messi

Well we may have slightly exaggerated his dribbling ability but Can did pull off more successful dribbles than any other Liverpool player over the 90 minutes. The young midfielder drove forwards from deep on penetrating runs and was not afraid to take on opposition players and showcase some of his skills in the process.