Brendan Rodgers watched on with delight as his Liverpool team put Burnley to the sword with two quality goals to win 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night. Goals from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge secured victory for the Reds, as they extended their unbeaten run in the league to 12 games.
Rodgers was again impressed by Emre Can, who has excelled since being drafted into a centre back role on boxing day. The German has moved around since, showing his qualities in defence, midfield and wing positions.
"I look at him and I think you give him another couple of years and he could play in any team in world football, that's how highly I rate him. He plays at the back, he is strong, aggressive and fast, and he serves the ball well. You move him into midfield, whether it's central or wide, you can see his football intelligence.
"He breaks through lines with his power and pace, and he has got great composure. He is settling into the game in this country very well. You can see the response by the crowd, they love him. He does the dirty work as well, he doesn't just play and look nice; he presses the ball really well, he is aggressive. I really think that he'll develop into a real world-class player."
The Ulsterman was especially impressed by the performance against Burnley, as Liverpool kept the pace up on a night where all the sides around them won.
"I thought it was an excellent performance. I think Burnley have showed this year that they are very difficult to play against, especially when they plan on their travels.
"But as good as our performance was at the weekend, this was equally as good in a different way. The organisation defensively was very good. They had one shot on target and they have players who can cause you a problem. We scored two goals and had opportunities to make the game more comfortable, it was a very professional display and I'm delighted with the performance and the result."
Rodgers also spared comment for Jordan Henderson, as the vice captain delivered a man of the match performance. Henderson opened the scoring with an excellent finish in the first half, before a wonderful pass allowed Daniel Sturridge to head home the all important second goal.
"It was a great strike for the goal from Jordan. We looked like we were going close just before that on a couple of ocassions. But the strike was terrific and that gives you great confidence in the game.
"Then his ball for the second goal is terrific. He's got great technique and precision on that type of ball. We've seen it a number of times here, when he makes that pass. Technically, you see his qualities. His passing is improving. And he's becoming one of the real leaders of this young team. It was a wonderful performance by him and the team in general."