Champions League and Premier League winner Virgil Van Dijk suffered a horrendous knee injury in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton owing to a tackle from the Everton goalie Jordan Pickford. Van Dijk is set to undergo surgery and will be sidelined for at least six months.
Read more :Eden Hazard back to training after long injury
Liverpool without Van Dijk
Van Dijk's unfortunate injury was obviously a big blow for Jurgen Klopp as he was arguably the best defender in Europe, let alone in the Premier League. Without Van Dijk Liverpool are only left with two centre backs in Joel Matip and Joe Gomez with the occasional inclusion of their defensive midfielder Fabinho in the centre back position.
Ozan Kabak as a player
Ozan Kabak is a 20-year-old Turkish footballer who plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga. He has won the Bundesliga Rookie of the season in the year 2018-19. Known for his tackling and ariel command he also,like Van Dijk likes to play long balls which will also suit Liverpool. Bearing all these in mind, it's not surprising to see why Liverpool is so heavily interested in the young defender.
Liverpool’s bid
Liverpool reportedly have made an initial offer of 22 million euros, while Schalke values the young defender at 44m euros
With Liverpool chasing a second consecutive Premier League title it is inevitable that they sign someone to replace the injured Virgil Van Dijk. Aware of the youngsters’ quality Klopp believes that the youngster can contribute both in attack and in defence, just like Virgil Van Dijk. This might just be enough to secure Liverpool a second consecutive Premier League title.