Liverpool's Emre Can enhances his reputation against Real Madird

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can

Emre Can was included in the starting XI for the second time in his Liverpool career last night against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League – and he did not disappoint.

The 20-year-old was standing in for the club captain Steven Gerard who was rested for this clash.

Can made 52 passes during the match with a pass accuracy of 92.3%.

The young midfielder provided protection in front of the defence and helped break up Real Madrid attacks.

 

The former Bayer Leverkusen midfielder also won all three tackles he attempted, recovered possession eight times and made two clearances before being substituted for Coutinho.

Can who moved to Liverpool in a £9.75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer has played only 186 minutes of Premier League football all season with only two starts.

The powerful midfielder recently recovered from an injury which had ruled him out for six weeks.

The Germany U20 international scored four goals and made five assists in 39 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen last season.