Can: Milner a big help for young players
Emre Can has hailed the positive influence of fellow midfielder James Milner on the young players in Brendan Rodgers' squad.
The Englishman added a wealth of experience to the Liverpool dressing room when he opted to join the club from Manchester City on a free transfer earlier this summer.
And his standing was recognised just a matter of weeks into his fledgling Reds career when he was awarded the role of vice-captain behind Jordan Henderson.
Can has now given his backing to that decision, praising Milner for his work in encouraging the less experienced players as they continue to develop.
"I haven't had too much experience of playing alongside him just yet but it is clear that he is a fighter, is very experienced and is capable of playing good football," the German told the October edition of the Official LFC Magazine.
"I have already seen that he passes on what he knows to the younger players. He talks to us a lot and that can only help us.
"We have a good mix in the Liverpool team. We have got experienced players but also young players.
"The experienced players need to pass on their knowledge to the young members of the squad so with Stevie [Gerrard] leaving at the end of last season it is definitely good to have another experienced player like James Milner here."
Still aged just 21, Can himself is one of the young players hoping to continue establishing himself as a Barclays Premier League regular this season.
The German made 40 appearances in all competitions in his debut campaign in England, but says the pace of the game in this country took some getting used to.
"In England the football is a lot faster than when you play in Germany," he added.
"When you get the ball here there is instantly a player from the other team there, pressing you and challenging you.
"That makes it a lot hard when you are in possession. English football is also physically tougher than football in Germany.
"One thing that is different is that you have more time on the ball in training sessions in Germany whereas here, because of the nature of opponents putting you under pressure as soon as you get the ball, the training sessions are quicker.
"That has helped me to adapt and take on board the different style of play."