Ozan Kabak is likely to make his Liverpool debut against Leicester City on Saturday, according to The Athletic‘s James Pearce – who is regarded as one of the most reliable sources for Reds news.
The 20-year-old joined on loan from Schalke 04 on transfer deadline day last week, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season. Kabak didn’t feature in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Manchester City, but his Liverpool bow could now be just days away.
Speaking on The Red Agenda podcast [via This Is Futbol], Pearce said that Saturday’s trip to Leicester could see the Turkey international feature for the Premier League champions for the first time:
With a full week to prepare now [at] Kirkby, I’d be surprised if Kabak didn’t make his debut at Leicester, I just think, having signed him, you’ve got to now use him.
I think whilst [Manchester] City was understandable, being a bit cautious because of the calibre of the opposition and the lack of training time, he needs to play at Leicester and then that releases [Jordan] Henderson to play in his normal position.
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It makes complete sense for Kabak to start at Leicester, with Jurgen Klopp now in a situation where he must start playing people in their natural positions.
The 20-year-old starting will allow Jordan Henderson to return to midfield, while Ben Davies could even be another debutant, meaning Fabinho also moves further upfield.
I think it is more likely that Kabak and Fabinho will be Klopp’s centre-back pairing, though, and it will be fascinating to see how the new man fares.
Leicester could provide him with a stern test in what is a crucial battle in the top four race.
