'Emre's versatility is a big asset for Germany'
Dietmar Hamann believes the versatility of Emre Can could prove to be vital for Joachim Low’s Germany during Euro 2016.
As the World Cup holders prepare to face Ukraine in Lille on Sunday night, Liverpool’s No.23 is hoping to make a real impression during the tournament after an excellent season at Anfield.
Under the command of Low, Can has featured predominantly as a right-back for his country, and last weekend featured on the other flank during a 2-0 friendly win over Hungary.
Germany also face Poland on June 16 before their final group game against Northern Ireland on June 21, and Hamann insists Can has the qualities to be a real asset for his country.
“There is a lot of competition for places in the Germany midfield so that is why Can is used as a full-back,” Hamann told Liverpoolfc.com.
“They have the likes of Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger for the central positions so they have a lot of competition, so at this moment in time Emre is still a young player and there are better players for the position.
“If Emre does get his chance it probably will be at full-back but there are players vying for the two positions.
“The one big asset he has is his versatility, which will be a big asset for Germany. He can play in various positions and do a very good job in each one as well.”
Hamann believes Can blossomed in midfield under the tutelage of Jürgen Klopp and has backed the 22-year-old to keep on improving and be a key player for Liverpool.
“I think he had a very good season for Liverpool,” he added.
“He is young, he is still learning but he is a player who would have benefitted because he played more games in the central midfield role because Brendan Rodgers employed him on the right-hand side of a back three.
“Since Klopp came in we have seen some very good performances from him.
“We shouldn’t forget how young he is, so with the experience of playing more games he can only get better and I’ve got to say I have been impressed with him.
“I expect more to come from him in a red shirt and next season will be another big one for Emre.”
Asked whether Germany can complete the double of World Cup and European Championship success, the former Kop favourite said: “I think Germany will be there or thereabouts.
“They are the reigning world champions so people expect them to do well.
“Since the World Cup they have lost three players from that squad who had a lot of caps between them so they have lost a lot of influence.
“Some younger players have come through since the World Cup, but I’m not quite sure whether they will have the dominance they had two years ago, so it will be interesting to see what happens."