Liverpool’s midfielder Emre Can has been called up for Germany’s upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Poland and Scotland next month, with coach Joachim Loew on Friday praising his development at the Premier League club.
The 21-year-old, who played for Germany at every youth level, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen last year.
“Emre had a good development at Liverpool and is a versatile player. We like his presence on the pitch and his dynamism,” Loew said in a statement. “Now we want to get to know him a bit better.”
Germany takes on Poland in Frankfurt on September 4 before travelling to Glasgow to face Scotland three days later. The World Cup winners are second in their Group D on 13 points from six matches, one point behind Poland, who beat them 2-0 in October last year. Scotland is third on 11.
Loew also recalled defender Matthias Ginter and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Ginter, a World Cup winner last year, had not played for Germany since October 2014, struggling since his move to Borussia Dortmund.
“Matthias had a difficult year at Dortmund, but he accepted the challenge and he is benefiting from that attitude. His form is now improving and his recent performances have been outstanding.”
The top two teams from each group qualify automatically for the tournament in France next year along with some third-placed teams.
“It is in our own hands to take over the top of the group table and meet the high expectations,” Loew said. “Our aim can only be to win both matches and I expect we will do that.”
“We dropped some points at the start of this qualification. We know what’s at stake and now we want to move up a gear.”
Stars like Sami Khedira, Benedikt Hoewedes, Erik Durm and Antonio Ruediger are out with injuries.
Can has never been capped at senior level for Germany, though he has been involved at various age groups getting 48 youth caps.
The Liverpool man will now be aiming to win his first senior cap under Low as he continues his development and looks to nail down a regular spot in the Germany squad.
Can is a product of Bayern Munich’s esteemed youth system, but left the club to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 in search of regular first-team football.
Liverpool then swooped to snap up Can from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014.
The 21-year-old is able to play in both defence and midfield and has been utilised in both places by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.