Can was described by his manager as a ‘Rolls Royce’ type of player after the derby
While the result may have been disappointing, as were some displays, for the most part the Reds were on form against Everton – barring a brief spell after Lucas went off with an injury – with the youngsters in particular showing that there is real depth at Anfield at the moment.
After a first start, and in the derby no less, young winger Jordan Ibe impressed more than most and Rodgers was quick to praise him saying after the match”I have been just waiting to put him in. I called him back because I thought now he can really contribute.
“He had a great spell on loan, which is what you want from your young players, and he had a good time at a good club but it was time for him to come back and feature.
“I had no qualms about putting him in. He’s a big talent, he’s got great technical quality and it was a brilliant performance by him. He was unfortunate not to have scored with his run and strike.
“He has wonderful temperament and technique and is tactically very good for a kid coming into that system. I am very pleased for him.
“What was decent tonight was in such an intense atmosphere the composure of the young players.”
Despite his brilliant derby debut, Jordan wasn’t the only young star to impress, with Can again impressive. Rodgers continued
“Emre Can, he was like a Rolls Royce at the back at 21 and he defended fantastically.
“Jordon Ibe and the rest showed great composure. They connected the game really well and we now have got a real solid structure defensively and 86 minutes was (Everton’s) first shot on target.”
With a tough run ahead, it’s good for the team that so many of the Reds players, particularly the younger players, are coming into form at the right time but the pressure for the top four places is heating up and the pressure to pick up as many points as they can begins against Spurs tomorrow night at Anfield.
