Emre Can has insisted that he will "never" become the same player that Steven Gerrard is at Liverpool because the club captain is a "living legend".
The 21-year-old has impressed at Anfield following his £10m summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The German Under-21 international has shown his versatility by playing in a three-man defence for manager Brendan Rodgers, but suggestions have been made that he will eventually fill Gerrard's role in midfield.
"The coach knows that I prefer the role in midfield and that I see myself there in the future," Can told Bild. "But as great as the comparisons to Steven Gerrard sound, I can never be like him.
"He has been playing for Liverpool since his childhood and already is a living legend. I am Emre Can and will go my own way."
Gerrard will leave Liverpool after 25 years at the club to join MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.