As Gini Wijnaldum edges in direction of the exit and Liverpool take into account the Dutchman’s substitute, Harry McMullen suggests an unlikely return to Anfield for Emre Can.
Hear me out.
‘By no means return’ is an outdated adage in soccer, even older than the media penchant for linking gamers with returns to former golf equipment. And there’s some knowledge to it, although our personal Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler would beg to vary.
The title Emre Can is somewhat much less warmly obtained on Merseyside. What number of of you clicked desiring to race all the way down to the feedback to remind us he betrayed the membership by operating his contract down, that he ‘was deadwood anyway’ and ‘thought he was higher than Liverpool’?
And possibly there’s some fact in that. What’s undoubtedly true is that Can’s finest numbers for Liverpool got here in his remaining season, regardless of enjoying with one foot out of the door.
Jurgen Klopp was eager to maintain him, and the participant was prepared to remain – supplied the membership may agree on a launch clause, one thing they don’t do on precept.
With Gini Wijnaldum now free to agree pre-contract phrases elsewhere – and probably even having already accomplished so – Liverpool are inevitably casting an eye fixed over the summer season window to discover a appropriate substitute.
So with each the Reds and Can’s present membership Borussia Dortmund in want of a shakeup after a tough season, would a deal make sense for all events?
The statistical comparability
In yellow and black, Can has discovered himself taking a extra defensive position than we noticed in purple, working in a double midfield pivot or at occasions as a centre-back – not in contrast to Wijnaldum’s personal redeployment on the base of midfield this season.
Regardless of enjoying 700 fewer league minutes, he stands up properly in ball recoveries (150 to the Dutchman’s 151) and go accuracy (87% to 92%) whereas boasting a superior charge of interceptions (38 to 21, regardless of enjoying a decrease urgent sport) and aerial duel success (66% to Wijnaldum’s 51%).
He additionally acquits himself properly towards Liverpool’s specialist No. 6, Fabinho, even when weighed towards the Brazilian’s title-winning season.
General, his stats examine properly to his glorious remaining season at Liverpool, regardless of coming in fewer video games, suggesting that amid a tricky spell at Juventus and Dortmund’s present woes, the participant Klopp as soon as described as “a high lad and a beautiful, versatile footballer with an impressive angle” has solely improved since leaving Merseyside.
Tactical versatility
Any substitute for Wijnaldum should possess that versatility, with the Dutchman having proved proficient as a No. 8, No. 6, double six, centre-back and false 9 beneath Klopp.
Can’s personal time at Anfield noticed him fill all three midfield roles to nice impact, in addition to working at centre-back and right-back. Extra lately at Dortmund, he has functioned in a again 4 and a 3.
This flexibility may supply future options for the Reds, in addition to permitting the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to stay of their most popular midfield roles ought to one other defensive disaster happen.
The German’s clear peak benefit (standing at 6’1″ in comparison with the 5’7″ Wijnaldum) additionally presents an elevated vertical presence, with Klopp lately resorting to Divock Origi towards taller opponents regardless of his relative lack of aerial prowess.
A returning defensive partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip (or maybe 6′ newcomer Ozan Kabak) alongside a midfield trio of Fabinho, Henderson and Can may lastly see Liverpool dominate in each packing containers.
It’s an incremental achieve that would make an enormous distinction, particularly towards groups sitting deep and packing out the penalty space.
And outdoors the field, from the place Liverpool have scored simply 3 times this season, Can has not misplaced his means to make headlines.
Availability and worth for cash
However maybe the most important incentive is the potential to get a wonderful deal.
Dortmund are within the midst of a torrid season, led by an interim supervisor and defying statistics to lose video games.
The at present fifth-placed facet are in actual hazard of failing to qualify for the Champions League, which owing to the membership’s monetary mannequin may drive a large sale of first-team gamers to make up the shortfall.
Within the absence of a switch payment for Wijnaldum, the Reds will probably be available in the market for a discount, with mooted targets akin to Yves Bissouma and Denis Zakaria certain to command charges in extra of £40 million.
Can, in the meantime, is valued at simply £23.4 million by Transfermarkt, whereas Dortmund’s precarious scenario might make them susceptible to Michael Edwards’ charms.
The midfielder’s earlier stint with the membership would enable him to fit straight again into the fold with out a difficult bedding-in course of.
It ought to, as properly, rule out competing bids from Premier League rivals – because the participant said himself when Manchester United got here sniffing round. Not dangerous for a rat, eh Reds?
So whereas some folks will certainly stay unmoved, there’s clearly a robust case for the previous No. 23 to return.
With the participant’s numbers steadily enhancing as he reaches his peak (he’s nonetheless solely 27), his tactical profile providing loads of options and beneficial monetary circumstances across the deal, maybe Emre can recapture Liverpool hearts and assist restore the membership to its perch.
* It is a visitor article for This Is Anfield by Harry McMullen. Observe Harry on Twitter, @mcmulhar.