Liverpool have blossomed but former player struggles for minutes after departing Anfield last season – Opinion | OneFootball

Emre Can’s struggles continue as the German is linked to Manchester United

Emre Can might not have been the biggest name at Liverpool during his time here but he certainly gave it his all. The former Bayer Munich star was signed by Brendan Rodgers but we got to see the best of him under Jurgen Klopp.

The midfielder had some astonishing performances for us and was even tried as a centre-back and right-back in certain games. Can played 28 Premier League games during his final season at Anfield, and it was a bit of a surprise seeing him join Juventus on a free transfer.

The surprising element wasn’t Juventus landing a top player for free but the fact that Can had become a key element in our midfield. The German told BBC Sport that Klopp had wished him the best for his new journey, and Juventus’ big project was to land the Champions League.

One year later, Liverpool were the European champions for a sixth time while Can is struggling for minutes in Turin.

The midfielder hasn’t featured for the senior side this season and Calciomercato (h/t Liverpool Echo) reports that Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in him.

That should get our blood boiling but Liverpool have moved on from Can and got an upgrade of sorts. United are far from what they used to be and even if they sign Can, they will be nowhere near our level.

Fabinho joined after our Champions League final heartbreak against Real Madrid, and the Brazilian is one of the best defensive midfielders in the game.

Liverpool blossom while Can wilts

Klopp has a habit of getting the best out of a player, and there is no doubt Can would have improved further at Liverpool. However, his decision to leave for Turin hasn’t been great and the change in management hasn’t helped either.

Maurizio Sarri took over this season and signed two other free agents, Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot. The new faces have added more issues for Can in getting game time while Liverpool are growing from strength to strength.

Out of all our midfielders, Fabinho is the one who is irreplaceable at the moment. The Brazilian provides additional protection to our centre-backs but has the eye for a quality pass too.

Can was all about power and running while Fabinho’s game is based on being at the right place and snuffing out any danger with some fantastic challenges.

The Reds’ decision to move quickly for Fabinho was a stroke of genius, and we seem set for more success this season too. It is a little painful to see Can struggle for games as he did a lot for us. However, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Can might have won the Serie A title last season, but Juventus’ aim for the Champions League goes on. Liverpool have built a great team and are still evolving, and it is difficult to say if the German would get regular starts if he was still here.

Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson were excellent last season while James Milner always put up an 8/10 performance when on the pitch.

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Football is a game of fine margins but transfers also play a huge part. Can might have forced his way out of the club but in the end, we have come out on top.