7. Emre Can/£10m/Leverkusen/July 2014
Can’s precarious position in the top 10 on this list is similar to Moreno. Both are young players who have had periods of form as well as falling upon hard times in their first season on Merseyside. Both arrived for modest fees in the low double digit of millions and each showed an improvement in the early goings of their second seasons.
The German earned plaudits across the league last year for his savvy play at central defender in a back three as well as stick for his opprobrious impersonation of a Premier League right fullback. To be fair, 2014 Glen Johnson as well as Javi Manquillo were the two men who he saw that season for the position, so it’s got to be understandable.
Oh, another reason it’s understandable? HE’S CLEARLY NOT A RIGHT FULLBACK. How would Joe Allen do at left back? Probably similar to Can at right back. The 20-year-old simply wasn’t well prepared to succeed in that role.
Can returned to the back three this season after Rodgers returned to that system until the Ulsterman exasperated the suits above him and was let go. Since Klopp came in, Can returned to the heart of midfield and has looked at home.
Klopp sees a future in Can, and the young German will learn from his compatriot.
Friendly reminder: he’s all of 21 years old.
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