Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has backed Emre Can to be a vital asset for the Reds this season and beyond.

Rodgers has shown a lot of faith in 21-year-old Can since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and the Northern Irishman has now gone on to state that the German international will prove to be an a key player for the club due to his wonderful versatility.

Rodgers said: "I think he can play and operate in any one of the three (midfield) positions. When I met Emre and having seen him play in a whole raft of positions his great attribute is that he's a footballer, he understands the game.

"Whatever role he's asked to play he has this inbuilt brain for football that allows him to adjust and adapt. But when I met him I asked him his preferred position, where he sees himself playing and that was as a controlling midfield player and that's where I've always felt he'll be an outstanding talent for us."