Liverpool: Emre Can could play in 'any team in world football in 2 years' says Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Emre Can "could play in any team in world football in a couple of years" should the German star continue his impressive development at Anfield.

The 21-year-old versatile midfielder moved to the Premier League giants from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2014 after Rodgers reportedly agreed to pay his £9.75m release clause.

Can has since become a crucial asset in Rodgers's line up, both playing as a centre-back in the 3-4-3 formation as well in his natural position in the middle of the park.

Having developed at the Bayern Munich academy, the Under 21-German international revealed earlier this season that he rejected a chance to rejoin Pep Guardiola's side to move to Anfield instead.

But Rodgers has suggested it will be tough to keep Can at Anfield for the long term as if he continues to progress, he will attracted the attention of the big clubs.

"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," the manager said, according to the club website.

"He plays at the back, 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."

Even though Can began the season as a back-up player, he has started the last 10 Premier League games and has been a key figure in Liverpool's impressive run since the start of 2015. Rodgers believes he will be "world class" sooner rather than later.

Rodgers said: "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."