30-year-old Liverpool released in 2018 is on the verge of being voted his country’s best player of 2023

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For many players of recent years, leaving Liverpool has signalled the beginning of a downturn in their careers.

The highest profile case is certainly Philippe Coutinho, who was never quite the same player having joined Barcelona from the Reds in 2018. But there are plenty of others, too.

Sadio Mane is another who has recently dropped off alarmingly since his time at Liverpool ended in 2022. Gini Wijnaldum, Divock Origi and Dejan Lovren are other high-profile examples and there are numerous more.

Up until now, Emre Can has definitely been viewed in that same light. The German could have been a real leader of Liverpool’s midfield under Jurgen Klopp, but chose not to renew his contract and left for Juventus on a free transfer in 2018.

Can didn’t have much success on a personal level at Juventus and was soon on his way to Borussia Dortmund. At the Black and Yellows since 2020, he has been a steady performer. But Can must surely regret leaving Liverpool just before the Reds explosion of success under Klopp.

Now though, it appears things have actually turned around quite a bit for Emre. According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on X this morning, the 30-year-old is due to be voted as the German national team Player of the Year for 2023. Wow!

Can set for national team award

This is a bit of a strange one. We don’t want to be mean towards Can – who is a fine player – but it is rather indicative of the state Germany currently find themselves in.

Die Mannschaft have been really, really poor recently. There’s a reason they have reportedly been trying to lure Klopp to the national team for the upcoming European Championships.

Where not too long ago they could boast some of the best players around in any position, they now look a rather underwhelming proposition.

As they prepare to host this summer’s tournaments, they shouldn’t be considered anything like favourites for it.

Nevertheless, it’s really nice to see Can getting some recognition. We still feel had he stayed at Liverpool he’d have kicked on a level and grown with the Reds.

Big, strong and deceptively technical, the former Bayern Munich youth-teamer had all the attributes to be a success at Anfield. Only 25 when he left, there was still a long story to be written.

That he gave that up for a big signing-on fee at Juventus is obviously on him. But however they left, we like to see former players doing well all the same.

As he turns 30 today, this will be a lovely Birthday present for Emre. With nearly 65% of the vote, the running doesn’t look especially tight, so it seems like he’ll come through easily before the 12pm voting deadline. Congrats big man and enjoy your day!