Liverpool was plagued by injuries during the 2020-21 season.In particular, there was a string of injuries to the center backs, with Fabinho being included in the final line as an emergency measure after Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez were out for long periods of time and Joel Matip was unable to maintain his condition.
Other youngsters Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams also struggled in the top team. Although it looked difficult to secure a Champions League berth, the team ended a turbulent year by finishing third in the Premier League as a result.
Along with Fabinho, Phillips, and Williams, Turkish defender Ozan Kabak joined the club on loan from Schalke at the time. He joined the club as an emergency reinforcement that winter and made nine starts in the English domestic league, contributing to the second half of the season’s turnaround.
The center back returned to Schalke at the end of the season, but looking back on his time at Anfield after his move to Liverpool, he said it had been an up and down season, but that it had been a fulfilling six months.
“It was a roller coaster ride for me. But it also made me a more mature player and a more mature person at the same time.”
“He (Klopp) is one of the best coaches in the world. I learned a lot from Jürgen Klopp and overall had a great six months in Liverpool.”
Spielfeld
In the 2021-22 season, he was loaned to Norwich City. He made a full-fledged attempt at the Premier League, but was unable to adapt to the unique game and his reputation went downhill.
However, when he joined Hoffenheim in the summer of 2022, he secured a regular place in the team and has played 42 games so far.
The Turkish defender is gradually turning his career around, but will he be able to consolidate his position in the Bundesliga, including his experience at Liverpool?