Liverpool missed the presence of their ‘dynamic’ midfielder Emre Can according to the former Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.

Barton told BBC Sport that Can’s suspension was one of the reasons Liverpool were below par at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Emre Can missed the game as he was serving a suspension. The 21-year-old received a yellow card during Liverpool’s win over Southampton in the League Cup. Can will be available for Liverpool’s Europa League clash on Thursday and their next Premier League game.

“There was another significant difference in midfield at St James’ Park, with Emre Can missing because of suspension,” Barton told BBC Sport.

“That meant Klopp had a midfield of Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva, who are both more like holding players, compared to Can, who is far more dynamic and operates box-to-box.”

An own-goal from Martin Skrtel and a classy finish from Wijnaldum gave Newcastle all three points on the day. The Reds were looking to continue their run of form under Jurgen Klopp when they traveled to St James’ Park.

Can has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances for Liverpool this season.

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