Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Emre Can's versatility was a big factor behind the decision to bring him to Liverpool last summer.

The Reds paid Bayer Leverkusen around £10m for the midfielder, but the German has flourished as part of a three-man defence for Rodgers's side this year.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Rodgers said: "I always like to have a midfield player who can play at the back and that's one of the big reasons why we signed Emre Can.

"You look at us against Swansea, from the 64th minute through to the 87th minute, we actually only had two defenders on the field.

"Some teams play with a back four and two holding midfielders - six defensive players. We had two [on the pitch] and didn't concede a goal."

Liverpool host Manchester United. in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday.