Overview
Emre Can, born on January 12, 1994, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, is a professional footballer renowned for his adaptability and leadership qualities across the midfield. Standing 1.84 meters tall, Can's physical stature and technical proficiency have made him a consistent presence at the highest levels of European football. His career trajectory has seen him represent some of the continent's most decorated clubs, including FC Bayern Munich, Liverpool FC, Juventus, and Borussia Dortmund. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Can's skill set extends to central midfield and even central defence, offering tactical flexibility to his managers.
Position
Can operates primarily as a defensive midfielder, a role where his ability to break up play, distribute the ball effectively, and drive forward with possession is maximised. He is often deployed as a number 6, shielding the defence and dictating the tempo of the game from a deep-lying position. His passing accuracy and vision enable him to initiate attacks, while his defensive work rate provides crucial cover. Occasionally, he has also been deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, showcasing his engine and capacity to contribute in both penalty boxes. His experience in central defence further underlines his understanding of positional play and defensive responsibilities.
Identity
Emre Can is identified as a versatile, physically dominant midfielder with strong leadership attributes. His playing style combines robust defensive actions with intelligent ball progression. He is known for his calm demeanour under pressure, his ability to win individual duels, and his capacity to deliver impactful long-range passes. Can's leadership has been recognised throughout his career, often taking on responsibilities beyond his years, whether as a captain or a key organiser on the pitch. His comprehensive skill set makes him a valuable asset, capable of performing multiple roles within a team's tactical framework.
Career path
Emre Can began his footballing journey at the youth academy of Eintracht Frankfurt before moving to FC Bayern Munich's youth setup in 2009. He progressed through the ranks, making his senior debut for the club in August 2012 in the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund [Transfermarkt]. Despite featuring for Bayern's first team, opportunities were limited in a star-studded squad.
Bayer Leverkusen
In August 2013, Can sought more regular first-team football and transferred to Bayer Leverkusen [Transfermarkt]. His single season at Leverkusen was impactful, establishing him as a key midfielder. He made 29 Bundesliga appearances, scoring 3 goals, and also gained experience in the UEFA Champions League. This tenure showcased his potential as a dynamic central player.
Liverpool FC
Can's performances in Germany attracted attention from the Premier League, leading to his move to Liverpool FC in July 2014 [Transfermarkt]. Over four seasons at Anfield, he became a crucial component of Jürgen Klopp's evolving side. He made 167 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals for the Reds [Transfermarkt]. Can played a significant role in Liverpool reaching the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final. His time at Liverpool saw him develop into a more complete midfielder, capable of both defensive solidity and attacking contributions.
Juventus FC
In July 2018, Can moved to Italian giants Juventus FC on a free transfer [Transfermarkt]. He spent a season and a half in Turin, winning a Serie A title and an Italian Supercup. While at Juventus, he continued to demonstrate his versatility, often being deployed in various midfield roles by different coaches. He made 45 Serie A appearances, scoring 4 goals [Transfermarkt], before seeking a new challenge to secure more consistent playing time.
Borussia Dortmund
In January 2020, Can returned to Germany, initially joining Borussia Dortmund on loan before making the move permanent in February 2020 [Transfermarkt]. At Dortmund, he has re-established himself as a vital figure in the midfield, often wearing the captain's armband. His experience and leadership have been instrumental for BVB, contributing to their DFB-Pokal triumph in 2021. As of May 2026, he remains a cornerstone of the Dortmund midfield, providing a blend of defensive steel and progressive play.
Playing style
Emre Can's playing style is characterised by a blend of physicality, technical proficiency, and tactical intelligence, making him a archetypal modern defensive midfielder. His 1.84m frame allows him to excel in aerial duels and physical contests, often winning the ball back in crucial areas of the pitch. He possesses a strong tackling ability and an astute sense of positioning, which enables him to break up opposition attacks effectively. According to data from FBref, Can consistently ranks highly for pressures and successful tackles among midfielders, underscoring his defensive contributions.
Beyond his defensive attributes, Can is also a capable ball-player. He exhibits good close control and a reliable passing range, capable of executing both short, incisive passes and longer cross-field balls to switch the play. His progressive carrying and passing numbers, detailed by platforms like Sofascore, highlight his role in transitioning play from defence to attack. He often drives forward with the ball, bypassing lines of pressure and creating numerical advantages in midfield.
Comparatively, Can's versatility and blend of attributes draw parallels to players such as Javi Martínez in his prime at Bayern Munich, particularly in his ability to deputise at centre-back while excelling as a holding midfielder [Wikipedia]. He also shares characteristics with Liverpool's Fabinho, known for their strong defensive anchoring and ability to screen the backline effectively. Can's capacity to offer an attacking threat from deep, through powerful long-range shots and late runs into the box, adds another dimension to his game, preventing opponents from easily marking him out of a match.
His leadership on the pitch is another defining trait. Can is often vocal, directing teammates and organising the midfield, particularly when his team is out of possession. This commanding presence, combined with his physical and technical qualities, makes him a pivotal figure in the heart of any team he represents.
Achievements & honours
Emre Can has accumulated a significant collection of team honours throughout his career, reflecting his consistent presence at top-tier European clubs. His trophy cabinet includes titles from Germany, Italy, and a notable European final appearance.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| FC Bayern Munich | Bundesliga | 2012–13 |
| FC Bayern Munich | DFB-Pokal | 2012–13 |
| FC Bayern Munich | UEFA Champions League | 2012–13 |
| Juventus FC | Serie A | 2018–19 |
| Juventus FC | Supercoppa Italiana | 2018 |
| Borussia Dortmund | DFB-Pokal | 2020–21 |
Beyond these club successes, Can was also part of the Liverpool squad that reached the UEFA Champions League Final in 2018, playing a key role in their run to the showpiece event, although they ultimately lost to Real Madrid.
Internationally, Emre Can has also achieved success with the German national team. He was part of the squad that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017, an important milestone in his international career [FIFA]. This victory underscored his standing as a player capable of contributing to national team success on a global stage.
While often recognised for his team contributions, Can has also received individual acclaim. His iconic bicycle kick goal against Watford in May 2017 while playing for Liverpool was voted the Premier League Goal of the Season.
International career
Emre Can has been a consistent presence in the Germany national team setup since making his senior debut. He first represented Germany at various youth levels, showcasing his potential from an early age, including playing for the U15, U16, U17, U19, and U21 teams.
His senior international debut for Germany came on September 4, 2015, in a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland [Transfermarkt]. Since then, he has accumulated 41 caps for his country as of May 2026 [Transfermarkt], establishing himself as a reliable option in midfield for successive German managers.
A significant highlight of his international career was being part of the Germany squad that triumphed in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup held in Russia. Can played a crucial role in the tournament, demonstrating his versatility and contributing to Germany's success in a squad often featuring a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. This victory marked a notable achievement in his international journey.
Can has also participated in major tournament qualifiers for both European Championships and FIFA World Cups, consistently being called upon for his defensive stability and ability to drive play from midfield. His solitary goal for the national team came in a 7-1 victory over Azerbaijan in a 2018 World Cup qualifier on October 8, 2017 [Transfermarkt]. His role often involves providing a secure base in midfield, allowing more attacking players to express themselves, while also offering an option for progressive passing and occasional forward runs.
What makes Emre Can stand out
Emre Can's standout qualities are multifaceted, centred around his exceptional versatility and leadership capabilities. Unlike many midfielders who specialise in a singular role, Can can seamlessly transition between a deep-lying defensive midfielder, a box-to-box presence, and even a central defender. This tactical flexibility is invaluable, allowing coaches to adapt formations and respond to in-game situations without needing substitutions.
His physical dominance is another key aspect. Can combines his height and strength with a tireless work rate, enabling him to win individual duels, recover possession, and maintain a high level of intensity throughout matches. This physical robust nature makes him a formidable opponent in the centre of the park. Furthermore, his composure under pressure, particularly in possession, allows him to retain the ball and initiate attacks even in tight spaces.
Can's leadership, often quiet but always present, has been noted by teammates and coaches alike. He takes responsibility, communicates effectively, and sets an example through his commitment and performance, particularly evident in his captaincy duties at Borussia Dortmund.
"Emre is a very important player for us because of his quality and his mentality. He can play six, eight, at centre-back. His versatility is a huge plus." – Edin Terzić (Borussia Dortmund Manager)