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Liverpool's first two summer signings were Rickie Lambert and Emre Can, so it's only fitting that they'd be the first two feature for the club in their preseason fixtures. Lambert was good up top with Fabio Borini, playing a few neat through balls and staying active both with and without the ball; Liverpool's attack was generally void of ideas, but Lambert was among the more effective in the first half, bettered only by Philippe Coutinho, who built on his impressive display against Brondby with another exciting performance.
But it was Can who left supporters wanting more, especially given that his appearance was halted by a calf injury. He immediately stood out in Liverpool's midfield alongside Lucas and Joe Allen, marking his presence both going forward and when tasked with defensive duties. It's hard not to notice him due to his physical make-up, but he's a player that seems to demand one's attention when he's on the pitch, and the only real pockmark on his display against Preston was that it didn't last any longer.
Reports indicate that the club will take a look before clearing him completely for the US tour, but I'd be shocked if he didn't feature before their time overseas is up. Making judgments on preseason performances is always difficult, especially when they don't even last a third of the match, but Emre Can seems to have the qualities Liverpool are desperately in need of in midfield.
