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Lucas Leiva's future at Liverpool may remain in doubt - but there is little on which member of his squad Brendan Rodgers feels could best step into his role.

The Northern Irishman employed Emre Can primarily in a three-man defence last year but the German's future always seemed likely to be in midfield.

And it is in the holding or controlling role so often occupied by the Brazilian which Rodgers believes will prove to be ideal for Can at Anfield.

He said: "I think he can play and operate in any one of the three (midfield) positions.

"When I met Emre and having seen him play in a whole raft of positions his great attribute is that he's a footballer, he understands the game.

"Whatever role he's asked to play he has this inbuilt brain for football that allows him to adjust and adapt.

"But when I met him I asked him his preferred position, where he sees himself playing and that was as a controlling midfield player and that's where I've always felt he'll be an outstanding talent for us."

Can played most often on the right side of a back three last year before a switch to right back which at times left him rather painfully exposed, not least at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final and in the 6-1 debacle at Stoke.

Rodgers believes his £10m man remains eminently versatile but knows where he will see the best of the former Leverkusen player.

"As you see he can play in the back three, against Newcastle he played as one of the two centre-halves when we played a back four and was comfortable.

"But I think his passing range, his strength, his power he's best in midfield and I think once again he's finding his fitness."

Can returned late to training having been involved in the European U21 championships with Germany but came off the bench to make an impact in the latter stages against Stoke and he seems likely to be involved at some stage against Bournemouth tonight.