Germany Under-21 coach Horst Hrubesch says that Liverpool have told him Emre Can will assume Steven Gerrard's role in the engine room at Anfield, with the German seen as the legend's successor.
Legendary Reds skipper Gerrard signed off on his Liverpool career at the end of the season and is heading to the MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy.
His departure leaves a big hole in midfield at Anfield, but Hrubesch says Liverpool already know how to fill it and are turning to Can and trusting in his abilities.
"I've just been to Liverpool", the coach explained to German news agency SID, via German daily TZ.
"There we were told that Emre will soon assume Gerrard's role in midfield", Hrubesch continued.
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"Emre definitely has leadership qualities."
Can is currently with the Germany Under-21 squad in the Czech Republic where they are taking part in the European Under-21 Championship.
Liverpool pounced to snap up Can from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, activating a release clause in his contract to leave the BayArena outfit helpless.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers turned to Can as part of a three-man defence last term, but appears to see him as a midfielder.
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