Forget Jean Michael Seri – Why Liverpool Are Better Off With This €22million Midfielder

Emre Can vs Jean Michael Seri – Should Liverpool Attempt To Sign The Nice Midfielder?

Liverpool are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri, especially with Emre Can’s future being uncertain at the club. There is no denying the German’s influence at the Merseyside club and his effect seems to have gotten more prominent in their last couple of matches. Losing him could massively dent Liverpool’s chances considering Jordan Henderson’s slump in form.

Both players can act as either a central or a defensive midfielder but the €22m rated German is definitely more versatile since he can be deployed as a centre-back as well. That said, Klopp also has to deal with the possibility of Philippe Coutinho exiting the club. Although the Reds have secured the signing of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig, they will need more reinforcements in the middle of the park if Coutinho leaves as well.

That said, the 26-year-old Seri is a dynamic player who thrives in a fluid attacking role while also being defensively sound. He seems like an ideal addition to Liverpool’s squad. With that said, let’s take a look at the stats of both Emre Can and Jean Michael Seri.

Emre Can vs Jean Michael Seri

In 18 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions so far this season, Can has spent 1354 minutes on the field. He has scored 2 goals and 2 assists but has picked up a whopping 7 yellow cards. He averages 1.2 shots per game while having a pass success-rate of 85.3%. Can is quite strong in the air as well, winning an average of 2.3 aerial duels per game. The player has also picked up a Man of The Match award, which was in a Champions League encounter. To put his defensive contributions in perspective, Can averages 1.7 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 1.1 dribbles per game.

Seri, on the other hand, has made 13 appearances for Nice in all competitions, having spent 990 minutes on the field. He has scored 1 goal and 2 assists while receiving 2 yellow cards. Although he averages 1 shot per game, Seri boasts of a pass success-rate of 91.3%. He is weak in the air though, winning only 0.4 aerial duels a game. As far as defensive numbers go, Seri averages 0.5 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 0.4 clearances and 1.5 dribbles per game.

Verdict

Emre Can seems like the clear winner. To be fair, Seri has missed out on a couple of games due to an injury but even then, the German seems to trump him on every level – especially when it comes to the defensive contribution. Hence, Klopp should try to hold onto Can at all costs. That said, if he were to leave Anfield, signing Seri may not prove to be an upgrade on the 23-year-old.