Former Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham believes Liverpool will have better options in midfield next season.
Emre Can could be on his way out of the club for free at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The 24-year-old has entered the final four months of his deal and is yet to reach an agreement with the Merseyside based club.
However, Cunningham is not worried about Can’s departure and believes Liverpool will have more of an edge in midfield when Naby Keita arrives.
Liverpool have already agreed a £48 million deal with RB Leipzig for Keita, who will join the Reds over the summer transfer window.
“It’s always been an area where Liverpool needed to focus on,” Cunningham told Irish radio station Newstalk.
“The balance has never been right in the central area of the pitch. I’m not a fan of Emre Can.
“I don’t think he is the greatest athlete. He doesn’t have the defensive mindset for me. The quicker Keita comes in the better.
“Even Keita is more of an all action, box to box midfielder. He will help to give them some more physical presence.”
Emre Can has retained his place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting eleven despite the ongoing contract saga.
The Germany international midfielder played the full 90 minutes during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
The Reds are back in action in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night when they take on FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.
