Liverpool were at risk of seeing their season killed off in just seven days of action last night as they hosted Chelsea, with the Reds having been eliminated from the EFL Cup and FA Cup, but a Georginio Wijnaldum header ensured that Chelsea’s advantage over them in the race for the Premier League title was kept at ten points instead of being expanded to 13.
It was by no means a vintage display from Jurgen Klopp’s men, but they showed heart and endeavour to battle back given the circumstances and few players in the red shirt summed up that spirit better than Emre Can.
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The German has been roundly criticised by Kopites in recent weeks for some lumbering performances, but he put in a stellar showing against the Blues, using his physicality and technique to great effect…
Can’s four aerial duels won was the joint-most of any Liverpool player, while he was heavily involved in much of their play with 84 touches of the ball. On top of those numbers, he maintained a pass success rate of 78% and weighed in with one shot.
Can has a long way to go to prove he’s worthy of a guaranteed role in the starting XI at Liverpool, but his display vs. Chelsea demonstrated what he can bring to the table.
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