Name: Emre Can
Club: Bayern Munich
Nationality: German
Position: Midfield
Who is he?
A native of Frankfurt, the 19-year-old German of Turkish-descent joined Bayern Munich’s youth academy in 2009, having spent three years in Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth ranks.
In 2011, he made the step up to Bayern Munich II, the club’s reserve team which plays in the lower divisions.
Achievements
Can - pronounced as "Chan" - captained the Germany U17s team that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 World U17 Championship’s scoring the second goal - a wonderful solo effort - in that semi-final defeat (which you can watch below).
Liverpool fans may recognise one of his team-mates in that team, Samed Yesil, who joined the Reds in the summer – but Can is a more exciting prospect.
He has yet to make a first-team appearance for Bayern – although he has made it onto the subs bench - but with the Bavarians all but certain of winning the Bundesliga this season, coach Juup Heynckes will be tempted to give him a run out towards the end of the season.
Attributes
Although a central midfielder of the attacking variety, Can is also capable of filling in at the heart of the defence. During the second half of a January friendly with rivals Schalke 04 he was brought on at centre-back and did not let the side down. Such is his versatility that he can also fill in at left-back on occasion.
Can is also comfortable with the ball at his feet despite his tall and powerful physique. In fact he is also able to play in the hole behind the striker, providing strength, vision and creativity.
Potential
Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness has described Can as the “midfielder of the future” while Germany’s U17 youth coach believes he is “the most complete player” he has ever seen at that age.
Can’s style and versatility is something that incoming Bayern manager Pep Guardiola will appreciate but with fierce competition for places at the Allianz Arena, the youngster could be loaned out to another Bundesliga club to gain experience similarly to current Bayern stars Philippe Lahm and Toni Kroos.
There is always the danger that he could be a jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none but judging from the regard in which he is held, that is highly unlikely.