Emre Can, the German-born Turkish professional footballer, has carved a niche for himself as a versatile and dependable presence in the center of the park. From his early days in Germany to his current leadership role at Borussia Dortmund, Can’s journey is a testament to hard work, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination.
Early Steps and Rise Through the Ranks (2000-2013)
Born in Frankfurt, Germany to Turkish parents, Can’s footballing journey began at a young age. He honed his skills at local clubs like SV Blau-Gelb Frankfurt and Eintracht Frankfurt before being scouted by the prestigious Bayern Munich youth academy in 2009.
Can quickly rose through the ranks at Bayern, impressing coaches with his technical ability, stamina, and tactical awareness. He played a key role in Bayern Munich II’s 3. Liga championship win in the 2012/13 season. Although his first-team appearances for Bayern were limited, he was part of the historic treble-winning squad in 2012/13, picking up medals in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
Loan Spells and Establishing Himself (2013-2018)
Seeking regular playing time, Can embarked on a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in the 2013/14 season. He quickly established himself as a vital cog in their midfield, making 29 appearances and scoring 3 goals. His impressive performances attracted the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool.
In 2014, Can signed for Liverpool, embarking on a new chapter in his career. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, Can transitioned seamlessly into the Premier League, showcasing his adaptability and defensive solidity. He formed a formidable midfield partnership with Jordan Henderson, contributing significantly to Liverpool’s attacking threat with his powerful long-range shooting and intelligent passing.
Liverpool Stint and Reaching New Heights (2014-2018)
Can’s influence grew under manager Jurgen Klopp. His versatility proved invaluable, as he seamlessly slotted into various midfield roles, excelling as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, and even a center-back when needed. Can’s work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game were instrumental in Liverpool’s rise to prominence.
He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s run to the UEFA Europa League final in 2016 and the Champions League final in 2018. While they fell short on both occasions, Can’s contributions were undeniable.
New Challenges in Italy and Returning to Germany (2018-Present)
In 2018, Can sought a new challenge and joined Italian giants Juventus on a free transfer. While his time at Juventus was marked by injuries and fierce competition for places, he managed to win the Serie A title and Coppa Italia during his two-year stint.
In January 2020, Can returned to Germany, signing on loan with his current club, Borussia Dortmund. The move proved to be a successful one, as Can quickly became a leader on and off the field. He helped Dortmund win the DFB-Pokal in the 2020/21 season and has been instrumental in their Champions League campaign in the 2023/24 season.
Playing Style and Impact on the Game
Emre Can possesses a unique blend of technical ability, physical strength, and tactical intelligence. He is a dominant presence in the midfield, excelling in both defensive and attacking aspects. Below is a summary of his main advantages:
Versatility: Can’s ability to play various midfield roles and even center-back makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Passing Range: His passing is crisp and accurate, allowing him to dictate the tempo of the game and launch attacks from deep positions.
Defensive Solidity: Can is a strong tackler and reads the game well, making him adept at breaking up opposition attacks.
Leadership: Can’s experience and vocal presence on the field make him a natural leader, inspiring his teammates and organizing the team’s defensive structure.
Long-Range Shooting: He possesses a powerful shot from distance, a valuable weapon for scoring crucial goals.
FAQs
Where and When Did Emre Can Begin His Footballing Journey?
Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 2000 to Turkish parents, Can’s footballing passion ignited at a young age. He honed his skills at local clubs like SV Blau-Gelb Frankfurt and Eintracht Frankfurt before catching the eye of Bayern Munich’s prestigious youth academy in 2009.
How Did He Fare at Bayern Munich?
Can thrived in Bayern’s youth system, impressing coaches with his technical ability and tactical awareness. He played a key role in Bayern Munich II’s 3. Liga triumph in 2012/13. While first-team opportunities were limited, he was part of the historic treble-winning squad that season, securing medals in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League.
What Led to His Loan Spell at Bayer Leverkusen?
Seeking regular playing time, Can embarked on a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen in 2013/14. He quickly established himself as a vital cog in their midfield, showcasing his adaptability and defensive solidity.
How Did He Transition to the Premier League with Liverpool?
In 2014, Can signed for Liverpool, embarking on a new chapter. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, he seamlessly adapted to the Premier League’s demands, demonstrating his versatility and defensive strength. He formed a formidable partnership with Jordan Henderson, adding an attacking threat with his long-range shooting and intelligent passing.
How Did Jurgen Klopp Influence Can’s Development?
Can’s influence grew significantly under Jurgen Klopp. His versatility proved invaluable, as he effortlessly transitioned between central midfield, defensive midfield, and even center-back when required. Can’s work ethic, leadership qualities, and ability to dictate the tempo were instrumental in Liverpool’s rise to prominence.
What Were Can’s Biggest Achievements at Liverpool?
Can played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s journey to the UEFA Europa League final in 2016 and the Champions League final in 2018. While they fell short on both occasions, Can’s contributions on the pitch were undeniable.
Why Did He Move to Juventus?
In search of a new challenge in 2018, Can joined Italian giants Juventus on a free transfer. While injuries and fierce competition for places limited his playing time, he secured a Serie A title and a Coppa Italia medal during his two-year stint.
What Prompted His Return to Germany?
In January 2020, Can opted for a familiar setting, joining Borussia Dortmund on loan. This move proved to be a success, as Can quickly became a leader on and off the field. He played a vital role in Dortmund’s DFB-Pokal victory in the 2020/21 season and has been instrumental in their Champions League campaign in the 2023/24 season.
To read more, Click here
