As the transfer deadline shuts later on tonight, Premier League champions Liverpool are trying desperately to sign up one or two central defenders to help shore things up as they look to retain their title.

The Reds are in need of new defensive recruits due to significant injuries to key centre-backs Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.

It looks as though Jurgen Klopp has identified two men that could come in today and help bolster his defensive options.

Here’s a look at those two targets… Ben Davies and Ozan Kabak.

Ben Davies – Preston North End

In what is probably a surprising development it looks as though Liverpool are about to sign twenty-five year old Ben Davies from Preston in a £2m deal (Source BBC Sport).

Before The Reds declared an interest it seemed like a straight fight between Celtic and Bournemouth for Ben’s signature, yet as soon as the Anfield side walked onto the scene there was only going to be one winner.

The reason for the small fee is due to the fact that the player’s contract is due to expire in the summer.

A big plus in getting Davies will be that he has plenty of experience in playing in England, although he hasn’t played in the top flight. The fact he’s a homegrown player in UEFA’s eyes is another thumbs up!

When you look at the player’s stats the biggest standout is his ability to make clearances. On average he makes around 4.3 clearances per game. He’s an asset in the air, winning 3.1 aerial battles. He also makes about 1.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions too.

Klopp will hope that he can improve on his 79% passing success rate, he makes around 40 passes per game (Stats – Whoscored). But he does make strong passes from the back that will suit Liverpool’s game.

Davies is very good and powerful in a challenge, often timing his tackles brilliantly. Is left-footed, which is always a bonus when bringing in a couple of centre-halves. He’s intelligent when reading the game and will no doubt thrive given his unexpected move to the English champs.

After a League Cup game against Man City last season, Preston boss Alex Neill selected Ben for special praise:

“I thought Ben Davies was one of a few standouts.

“I thought we had three or four really good players who performed very well and I think Ben was probably the pick of those.

“It was a good performance, they make you defend and the damage generally came down the right for the goals.

Alex Neill Via LancsLive

I think Ben Davies will look to learn instantly under Klopp and establish himself within the team while the regulars are injured. Even if he doesn’t keep his place in the long term, he could be valuable in the short term and Liverpool will only see a profit in his fee if they were to sell further down the line.

Ozan Kabak – Schalke 04

It could be a whirlwind day for young Turkish defender Ozan Kabak, who could go from bottom of the Bundesliga with Schalke to title challenging Liverpool in the Premier League.

He may only be twenty years old but Ozan has already made 63 top team appearances. Plus even though he’s a youngster Kabak has successfully moved from his homeland to Germany without much fuss.

The deal is thought to be a loan move with an option to buy but that will only happen if his current employers can bring in a replacement (Source Sky Sports).

Liverpool gaffer Klopp likes to see his defenders being efficient with ball at their feet and he’ll enjoy that Kabak possesses an 87.9% passing success rate, which is particularly good considering Schalke’s current league position.

Kabak is another player who dominates in the air, winning more than 4 aerial competitions per Bundesliga appearance. He also has a history of being very competitive when it comes to winning tackles. Ozan is also extremely brave and dogged when it comes to marking duties.

The former Galatasaray man is already an international performer with Turkey.

Has the ability and versatility to play in at right-back and as a defensive midfielder, that will be another box ticked for Liverpool.

Ozan Kabak could be one for the future at Liverpool but I’d still imagine that he’d make an impact if he signed for the Reds during this window. Has plenty of scope to improve under Juregen Klopp.

Posted on February 1st, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article