Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can has obtained adulation from teammate Nico Schlotterbeck and head coach Niko Kovac because the membership’s profitable 3-0 victory over UEFA Champions League play-off opponents Sporting Lisbon final Tuesday.
Can, who has usually been singled out for his underwhelming performances in latest months by a portion of BVB followers, has impressed at centre-half in latest video games.
The 31-year-old put in a strong shift in opposition to VfB Stuttgart final weekend regardless of the adversarial 2-1 scoreline. He additionally defended with confidence in opposition to Sporting Lisbon even when the Portuguese membership unfurled their talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, in a 30-minute cameo.
“Emre has been taking part in rather well in that place for weeks. He did exceptionally effectively in opposition to each strikers in opposition to Sporting too. If he continues like this, he’s actually the one who is finest suited to the place in the intervening time,” mentioned coach Kovac.
Can’s central defensive accomplice and compatriot Nico Schlotterbeck additionally praised his efforts and what he brings to the backline.
“With Emre you’ll be able to play a excessive chain as a result of he’s quick. I believe he does that effectively with and in opposition to the ball, he has a whole lot of velocity. He hasn’t had a straightforward time (these days),” Schlotterbeck added, highlighting the criticism obtained from followers and within the media.
Historically a combative defensive midfielder by commerce, Can has had most of his pleasure at centre-half this season. It leaves head coach Kovac ready of luxurious with Waldemar Anton and fit-again Niklas Sule battling for the place alongside Nico Schlotterbeck within the coronary heart of the Schwarzgelben defence.