Why the jury is still out on Liverpool 23-year-old and contract should be withdrawn

Fri 3 February 2017 8:10, UK

COMMENT By Will Butcher

Liverpool should forget about offering Emre Can an extended deal to remain at Anfield after a number of indifferent performances this season.

The Mirror claimed towards the end of January that Liverpool were preparing new contracts for 23-year-old Emre Can, as well as defender Dejan Lovren and in-form playmaker Adam Lallana.

Since his move to Anfield in the summer of 2014 from German giants Bayer Leverkusen, Can has shown glimpses of brilliance in the red of Liverpool.

Frustratingly for Reds fans, though, Can has not been able to consistently maintain that quality throughout a full match, let alone a run of games.

Liverpool’s number 23 has less than 18 months on his current deal, which has raised doubts over his current position with the Premier League giants.

Can possesses all the necessary attributes to become a Liverpool great on Merseyside including a strong array of passing, strength, pace and an unwavering work rate, and has even added the odd goal to his game.

But it is rare for all his qualities to be bundled into one performance – his display against Chelsea saw him lose possession on numerous occasions when attempting a Hollywood pass, while a number of dribbles forward proved fruitless.