“He was excellent” – Liverpool boss Klopp reveals star midfielder played through illness to destroy Hoffenheim defence

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Emre Can following his performance against Hoffenhiem.

The 23-year-old was the star of the show on Wednesday night after netting a brace against the Bundesliga side. Can helped secure Liverpool’s place in the UEFA Champions League group stages.

Can came off in the 70th minute to a standing ovation from the Reds fans.

Klopp has revealed that Can played through an illness on Wednesday evening. The Germany international missed last weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.

“He’s a great player, it was an excellent match,” Klopp told reporters after the game.

“The first goal was great, a great assist from Sadio I think and then maybe a deflection, I’m not sure.

“It was useful that we kept the box full of players. Emre had actually been poorly for two days. He started a bit of training yesterday, and he was training this morning. I asked him ‘are you fit?’ and he said ‘I can play 100%’.

“For 60 minutes he was excellent in this game and he really deserved this standing ovation.”

Can’s Liverpool future is however still cast in doubt. The 23-year has under 12-months remaining on his current contract with the Merseyside based club.

Liverpool host their title rivals Arsenal at Anfield this weekend as they look to continue their winning run.