LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 8, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to Emre Can during the FA Cup 6th Round Quarter-Final match against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Emre Can: Rodgers sees me as a midfielder

Emre Can says Brendan Rodgers sees him as a midfielder and that is where he hopes to be playing next season.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 8, 2015: Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to Emre Can during the FA Cup 6th Round Quarter-Final match against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The 21-year-old German spent most of his first season at Liverpool playing in defence, but centre-midfield remains his preferred position and where he sees his future.

“He [Rodgers] sees me as a midfield player and I hope next year to be playing in midfield,” Can told The Anfield Wrap podcast.

Quite why then, Rodgers didn’t use the opportunity of the final six games of the season to actually use Can in midfield is baffling.

Even more baffling is the use of him as a some sort of strange false-right-back, a role which looked completely unnatural and uncomfortable for the player.

Surely, once the season was effectively over for the Reds, it would have been wise to give Can a run in centre-midfield, not only to help his development there but also gauge whether he can immediately step in and fill that role next season.

We discussed how Rodgers needs to recognise the importance of a defensive midfielder in his side. Is Can the man to fill that role?

With Liverpool continuing to be linked with James Milner, plus having Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva and Philippe Coutinho available for the midfield roles, Rodgers’ options look congested.

However, should Lucas leave, as seems quite possible, it’s hard to see any of those except Can performing as a holding midfielder.

SCOUTING: Geoffrey Kondogbia: Defensive midfielder who would fit the bill at Liverpool