Stan Collymore: I worry this Liverpool ace might end up surplus to requirements
By Amir Mir
Stan Collymore has stated that he is worried that Liverpool ace Emre Can might end up “surplus to requirements” at the Premier League club.
Former Liverpool striker Collymore provided a brief assessment of the midfielder’s performances as he was critical of certain aspects of his play, including his strength.
The 23-year-old made a 13-minute appearance for the Reds during their 2-0 win against Tottenham at the weekend.
But, for the majority of this campaign, he has been a regular feature for Jurgen Klopp’s side, including starting his side’s five league games prior to the Spurs match.
During those encounters, Klopp’s side only picked up three points, losing to relegation-threatened Hull and Swansea along the way.
Collymore stated what Can needs to do in order to improve his game as he also delivered his verdict on his midfield partners.
“The midfield, the much-vaunted midfield of Can, Wijnaldum and Henderson needs to be organised better,” Collymore wrote for Boyle Sports. “A player that I rate highly, Emre Can, needs to go back to the drawing board, as he’s not delivering the awesome physical power, in game reading and dynamism that he undoubtedly has.
“Maybe it’s the system, maybe he just hasn’t come to terms yet with the fact he is following in the footsteps of Souness, Gerrard and Co. but he needs to find himself quickly or I worry he may end up surplus to requirements.”
Can has played 27 Premier League, EFL Cup and FA Cup matches for his team this season, scoring three goals and supplying two assists during those games.
The German’s goals have come against the likes of Crystal Palace, Watford and Bournemouth as he has not netted since the 4-3 defeat against the Cherries in December.
Can has usually played in a midfield role alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson and summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Merseyside club have conceded 30 goals during their 25 matches in the Premier League this term, more than any other team currently in the top six.
In other Liverpool news, Alan Shearer has made a big statement about the club’s title ambitions.
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