---
title: "Ozan Kabak expected to make debut against Leicester, claims James Pearce"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/ozan-kabak-expected-liverpool-debut-v-leicester-claims-james-pearce/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-02-09T18:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-09T18:00:00Z"
---

# Ozan Kabak expected to make debut against Leicester, claims James Pearce

[Ozan Kabak](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/02/06/liverpool-fans-react-to-ozan-kabaks-brilliant-piece-of-skill-in-training/) is likely to make his Liverpool debut against Leicester City on Saturday, according to *[The Athletic](https://theathletic.co.uk/)*‘s James Pearce – who is [regarded as one of the most reliable sources](https://tribuna.com/en/liverpoolfc/news/2020-03-06-most-reliable-source-for-all-things-reds-leaves-liverpool-echo/) for Reds news.

The 20-year-old [joined](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55897340) 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](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/spielbericht/index/spielbericht/3429717) 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](https://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-94576-d06cf0f?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share)* podcast \[via *[This Is Futbol](https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/02/blogs/premier-league/liverpool-james-pearce-makes-claim-on-ozan-kabak/)*\], 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.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

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.