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No player has captured the hearts and minds — and did we mention hearts? — of Liverpool fans this season quite like midfielder/defender/jack-of-all-trades Emre Can. The German's season has mirrored Liverpool's thus far, and it wouldn't be outlandish to suggest that Can has played a large part in his club's turn around now that he's appearing regularly in the side after an extended spell on the sidelines due to both injury and lack of selection by his manager.
Can's form has made him integral to Brendan Rodgers' side, ably keeping Dejan Lovren out of a starting spot in Rodgers' back three despite the fact that this is not Can's natural position. Fans are quite reasonably clamouring for the day where Can gets to start in midfield regularly, but until that day he's grateful for the help he's received from fellow CBs Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho in adapting to his new position.
"Martin and Mamadou have been very helpful to me," he said in an interview with the club's website. "They are both expert central defenders and that is very, very important. They talk to me a lot - before, during and after games. They help me a lot, they are both top players and it's great to work with them. I am very grateful for the help they give me.
"I am only 21 but I am the type of player that talks on the pitch. That's the way I am and I have always been like that. I can't see myself changing; I think it's just my way that pushes me into taking on a leadership role on the pitch."
Can's propensity for being vocal and commanding and commanding and vocal on the pitch hasn't gone unnoticed, with many tipping him as a strong candidate for the club's vice captaincy next season despite having only arrived on Merseyside last summer. He'll have other competition for the role in the event that Jordan Henderson does ascend to the captaincy as expected, but in a short space of time Can's form and assertiveness have quickly made him a fan favourite for the role.
Can is pleased that fans have taken a shining to him, especially given the stature Liverpool's fans hold with the club and players. As to the most pressing of fan questions, Can was happy to share the details on his preferred hair care routine.
"I use a wax," Can confirmed for those hoping to emulate his never-out-of-place locks "Recently I thought about growing my hair long, but it didn't look so good and so I got it cut again. My hair is very thick. I use wax and I put more of it on for games - but for the look of it, whether it's pushed to the side, centre or back, I just do it as I feel."
One hopes that in Can's next interview, someone has the foresight to ask which brand of wax the man uses. Priorities, interns!
