Emre Can was bemused . Brendan Rodgers had been at his most effusive , purring about the German 's ability , but his words were unwittingly lost in translation . Eager to promote the giant strides Can had made , Rodgers delved into his lexicon and likened Liverpool 's new No 23 to a Rolls-Royce , following a series of effortlessly smooth performances . When his manager 's words were relayed , however , there was nothing more than a quizzical look . 'We would n't use that expression in Germany , we would n't say something like that , ' says Can , taking up the story . ' I know a Rolls Royce is a big , luxurious car so I associated it with a positive comment , but I did n't know exactly what it meant . I had n't heard the comparison before . Liverpool 's Emre Can ( left ) was among an influx of new players brought to Anfield last summer . Can , pictured heading the ball during Liverpool 's training session on Friday , has found form in 2015 . Can ( right ) runs with Steven Gerrard during training ahead of Liverpool 's match with Manchester United . 'Then again , I had a feeling it could n't be so bad if the manager was saying something like that . ' This is the first time Can has faced the English media since his £10million arrival from Bayer Leverkusen and he smiles as he relays the anecdote . Initially , Can is withdrawn and lacking confidence but eventually , with the help of an interpreter , he emerges from his shell . In some ways , this interview is a microcosm of how his Liverpool career has been to date . As part of the huge influx of new players last summer , Can failed to make an instant impact and in the early months of the campaign , he did nothing but float on the periphery . Since Christmas , though , the landscape has changed dramatically , both for him and Liverpool . Playing on the right side of a three-man defence , Can has not looked back since his introduction as a half-time substitute at Burnley on Boxing Day . ' I was injured at the beginning of the season and then played against Chelsea ( in November ) , ' says Can , referring to a 2-1 defeat in which he scored Liverpool 's goal . 'Then I was out of the team until December when I came on ( at half-time ) against Burnley . Can has faced the English media for the first time since his £10million move from Bayer Leverkusen . Can pictured tackling Wayne Routledge during Liverpool 's 1-0 win over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium . Can has drawn midfield comparisons with Germans Michael Ballack ( left ) and Bastian Schweinsteiger ( right ) 'My attitude was not to moan or make a big fuss about it but to keep calm and work hard so that when I got the chance against Burnley I could break into the side . I feel very good feel I have the trust of the manager . I believe I 'm doing a good job and that is why I am playing . I 'm happy . ' Powerful and imposing , Can has a defender 's physique but his qualities as a midfielder have drawn comparisons with Michael Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger . Given how he has been performing , it seems remarkable Bayern Munich allowed him to move on . Bayern had an option to buy back their Academy graduate from Leverkusen but were content to let Liverpool have him . There are certainly no arguments about that decision at Anfield . Rodgers , for one , believes Can has the ability to 'play for any side in the world ' . Can , clearly , is going to be an important figure and an idea of how much the 21-year-old has backed himself to succeed is by the fact he asked to take over the 23 jersey that had been vacant since Jamie Carragher departed in May 2013 . Can has looked a different player since Christmas as he continues to thrive under Liverpool boss Rodgers . Can will be among those hoping Liverpool can get revenge over Manchester United on Sunday at Anfield . ' I did want the 23 because there was a high importance here , and I knew about it before I came , ' he says . 'It is a big honour to wear it after Carragher retired but I do n't feel any extra pressure because of it . ' So on to Sunday and the battle with Manchester United . Had things worked out differently , he could have been lining up against Liverpool , as the David Moyes regime scouted Can twice last season but , instead , he will be aiming to derail their top four ambitions . ' I am well aware United will be a tough game and I know about the rivalry , ' says Can . 'We have a very young team and need to keep improving . But if we do , there will be good years . I am playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world . I have no regrets about coming here . '
Emre ##xham was among an influx of new players that signed in the summer . The signing was not an immediate success and it took months for him to find employment . Can has become an important player under manager Brendan Rodgers .