Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock believes that Emre Can has vastly improved for the Reds in recent weeks, however despite praising the Germany international, he indicated he would still drop him from the starting line-up for Georginio Wijnaldum.
Can started for Liverpool in their 6-1 drubbing of Watford at Anfield, the first time the Reds have scored six since 2009, with Wijnaldum on the bench.
The Germany international scored Liverpool's third goal at Anfield, while Wijnaldum came off the bench just after the hour mark and netted the Reds' sixth in injury time.
Warnock was critical of Can's performance against Manchester United last month, but feels he was in great form against the Hornets, even though he would ultimately restore Wijnaldum to the starting line-up.
Warnock said on LFC TV: "I was quite critical of Can after the United game. I thought he looked slow, heavy and lethargic, not fit at all.
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"I thought as soon as Wijnaldum is back fit then he's [the manager] putting him back in.
"I just didn't think there was any sense in putting Can in the team", the former Reds defender explained.
"But he's proved be wrong and he looks fit, he looks stronger again. He's back to where he was at the back end of last season when he looked dynamic.
"But then there is something about Wijnaldum I just like.
"He's like a [James] Milner. He’s not your standout where he’s doing things like [Philippe] Coutinho, but he just keeps things ticking over and he wins vital tackles."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp now has the international break to ponder whether to play Can or Wijnaldum against Southampton.
