Former Liverpool defender Dietmar Hamann has defended Emre Can following criticism from sections of the media and fans.
Hamann believes the Germany international of Turkish origin is being made into a scapegoat.
See More: For the latest Emre Can news and everything else you ever wanted to know about the Liverpool star
The ex Liverpool star acknowledged that Can has not been in the best of form but underlined that the entire team is to blame and that it is not fair to single out Can.
Hamann told Paddy Power [via Daily Star]: “My fellow German is as much to blame as everyone else there this season, but I don’t think it’s fair that supporters single him out.
“However, Emre has got to decide what kind of player he is and then perform, if he wants to take that next step to be a Liverpool player for years.”
Hamann believes that part of the problem is Can’s role remains undefined at the club and that he must chose to be either a defensive or attacking midfielder.
“Is he a defensive midfielder or an attacking midfielder – does he even know?,” he added.
“I don’t believe in all this ‘box-to-box’ player talk, you have to pick your strongest suit defensively or offensively.”
Turkish-Football highlighted Hamann’s point regarding Can being unfairly criticised following the 3-1 defeat against Leicester City.
Can was slammed for his performance on social media.
Emre Can at full speed is like a snail moving in treacle while pulling a caravan
— James (@writtenoff_mufc) February 27, 2017
Emre Can. A professional footballer. Has just given away a foul-throw. That's enough to sell him, surely?
— FTS Football (@FromTStands) February 27, 2017
Don't expect to win a game with emre can in midfield.
— Cindy™ (@Cindymonel) February 27, 2017
The closest Emre Can has come to a man all night. pic.twitter.com/K4zPZKi1ym
— Chris Parkes (@rocknrollparksy) February 27, 2017
Can was widely criticised, while Wijnaldum has been widely praised this season.
The stats following the Foxes defeat did however, show that Can was one of the best performing Liverpool players on the night and provided an assist.
Can made more tackles, won more aerial balls, made more passes at a higher accuracy and more clearances than the Dutch midfielder.
More here: Emre Can outperforms Wijnaldum despite roasting from Liverpool fans on social media
Can has three goals and two assists in all competitions for the Reds this season.
