#2 Give Emre Can a new contract
There was a point this season when Liverpool fans would have been happy to let Can go in the summer. With Jordan Henderson being asked to fall deeper, the German was given the license to roam forward. However, his lack of attacking impetus in the advanced midfield role was evident and so were the nagging injuries that dented Can’s confidence and hence, performances.
Also Read: Can insists new Liverpool deal not about money
However, since February, the Emre Can of last season who was the lynchpin for Liverpool’s Europa League final run-in, came to the fore. Physically dominant, a bundle of energy and growing in maturity, the 23-year old was the driving force for Liverpool midfield in the last three months. His attacking play is on the rise as well. Can scored five goals this season, a personal record.
These points make it obvious that Liverpool have to tie down Can to a new contract with only 12 months left on the current deal. A midfielder who has spent enough time at the club and in the league, Can has shown the quality and it’s time that Liverpool hold on to him as he enters his prime years.
The German has reiterated time and again that the delay in the new contract is not because of money. So, if there are question marks about playing a position and playing time, then they need to be sorted out soon. Further, European commitments next season will provide more playing time as well.
Thus, Can signing a new contract is an absolute priority in the summer as Klopp would not want a key player to leave for free next summer. One final point to note is that Emre Can is captain material for Liverpool which makes it all the more important for both parties to extend their association.