Jurgen Klopp’s men comfortably beat Huddersfield Town 3-0 a fortnight ago at Anfield before easing past Maribor by the same scoreline in the Champions League a few days later, thus setting them up perfectly for a trip to struggling West Ham. And they made it three wins on the spin as a brace from Mohamed Salah as well as goals from Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sealed a comprehensive 4-1 success for Klopp’s side, in turn moving them above Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal into fifth place in the Premier League table, and to within four points of second place Manchester United.
Thus, there have been many happy Liverpudlians in the Tavern in recent days toasting their team’s impressive week, although there are some disappointed Reds fans following recent reports from Italy (via The Daily Star), which suggests that Manchester City are seeking to snap up midfielder Emre Can on a free next summer.
The 23-year-old has become an important part of Klopp’s Liverpool team in the last 12 months or so but has yet to agree an extension to his contract at Anfield, which is due to conclude at the end of the current season.
Thus, his future is far from certain and Pep Guardiola’s City, as well as Italian giants Juventus, are reportedly seeking to exploit that, which could leave Klopp with much to ponder as the season progresses.
Both Juventus and Manchester City have reportedly expressed an interest in Can’s services, but the Germany international wouldn’t be guaranteed regular football at either of those clubs.
But that is exactly what he has got and is continuing to get under Klopp at Liverpool, having missed just six of their 38 Premier League matches last season, and only two of their opening 11 games this time round.
Moving on may seem like a better move for the 23-year-old, but at the moment he is a key part of things at Anfield and deservedly makes Klopp’s starting eleven more often than not – thus it may be best for him to remain at Liverpool.
Can moved to Liverpool back in 2014, but it’s fair to say that he didn’t quite hit the heights in his first few seasons at the club under former manager Brendan Rodgers.
Some of that could be pinned down to the now-Celtic boss’ constant changing of the 23-year-old’s position, but there’s little doubt that he has become a better player since Klopp took over in 2015.
The Germany international played more, scored more, and assisted more last season to underline Klopp’s huge influence, which would suggest that the former Borussia Dortmund chief knows exactly how to get the best out of the midfielder.
That might not necessarily happen at other clubs, so for his own improvement and development, remaining under Klopp at Liverpool could be exactly what Can needs at this stage of his career.
Although there clearly are teething problems at Liverpool, defensively in particular, the future certainly looks bright at the Merseyside giants.
Klopp led the side back to the Champions League last season and they look like they’ll get out of the group, while they are just four points adrift of second place Manchester United in the Premier League to suggest that they can compete with the best of English football.
And with the likes of Philippe Coutinho (25), Mohamed Salah (25), Sadio Mane (25), and Roberto Firmino (26) at the age whereby they should be beginning to enter their peak years, things could get extremely good at Anfield in the coming years, and Can would surely want to be a part of that.
