Along with Ben Davies, Kabak's adds much-needed depth to a defence that has seen Liverpool regularly start with 2 midfielders in Fabinho and Henderson.
Background
A 6ft 2' centre-back, Kabak came through the Galatasary academy before moving to Stuttgart and later Schalke in Germany.
In all Kabak has 77 senior appearances to his name at the club level while also playing for his country on 7 occasions.
Fun Fact: Ozan Kabak considers Van Dijk his idol, posing with his photo back in 2019:
Controversy: Kabak was sent off for spitting at an opponent in September 2020 but the defender has stated it was unintentional.
Strengths
However, the Turkish player's aerial success rate of 77% is the 3rd best in the Bundesliga out of 176 players. In comparison, Virgil van Dijk had an aerial success rate of 75% last season.
The youngster's passing is also another aspect he's improving - he went from a 77% success rate in 18/19 to 88% this season.
Playing in a weaker side, Kabak makes more tackles and interceptions than Liverpool's players but what's interesting is that he has a slightly higher tackling success rate than Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Weaknesses
Kabak has struggled somewhat this season as he's been part of the worst defence in the Bundesliga, playing in a terrible Schalke side.
The main issue the 20-year-old has faced so far has been that of discipline - the defender's 12 yellow cards since 2019 is the most in the Bundesliga.
Kabak has picked up 1.30 fouls per 90 minutes through his career, higher than all the centre-backs at Liverpool.
Stats in 2020/21 (via Whoscored)
Appearances: 14
Tackles per 90: 1.2
Interceptions per 90: 0.9
Passes per 90: 49.6
Aerials won per 90: 4.9
View from Germany
The Athletic interviewed Michael Reschke, the person who signed Kabak at both Stuttgart and then Schalke after the defender made his move to Merseyside: "Ozan was a top pro. Well-educated, polite, strong charisma, really intelligent.
"He’s the type of defender who looks for the duel, he defends on the front foot, always looking to get to the ball first.
"He hasn’t quite been himself lately. Him spitting at an opponent was completely out of character for him"
Tribuna.com's view
The youngster was highly sought after for a while despite Schalke's record this season and Liverpool's deal to sign him on loan for just £1.5m is an ideal one.
Kabak has a long way to go before he matches up to the standards set by the likes of Van Dijk and Gomez but he certainly looks to have the potential to challenge them.
