Ozan Kabak has quickly made himself indispensable to Liverpool. 

That much was clear when Jurgen Klopp chose to substitute the defender with just a few minutes of the Reds’ 3-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday still to play. 

He was not taken off for tactical reasons. Instead, Kabak was withdrawn to ensure he’d be ready for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid. 

Liverpool, who have been so heavily disrupted in defence this season, need him in top shape. But should they make his loan from Schalke permanent? 

Doubters proved wrong

There were a few question marks surrounding Kabak’s ability to slot into the back four after his January arrival. 

His first appearance, in a 3-1 defeat at Leicester, wasn’t overly convincing. 

Some suggested the Premier League champions might have needed a more experienced head in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. 

But Kabak, 21, has rapidly adapted to the Premier League, forming a burgeoning partnership with the almost equally unseasoned Nat Phillips. 

The Turkey international has started eight of Liverpool’s last nine games and helped his side record three successive clean sheets in all competitions.

Defensive rebuild

It has been a rebuilding process for a team decimated by defensive injuries and Kabak is aware of the progress being made. 

He said: “With Nat [Phillips], we know each other every day better and better. 

“Now it’s three clean sheets in a row and I hope we will keep it up in the Madrid games too. It’s so important for us, the Champions League, and we are just so happy.” 

Klopp is likely happy, too. Kabak’s loan was intended as a short-term fix, but it could be the start of something much more. 

Permanent move?

Crucially, the Schalke centre-back is young and affordable, with a fee of just £18million required to make the deal permanent. 

Based on his performances so far, it’s hard to think of any drawbacks.

When Van Dijk and Gomez return to full fitness, they will be straight back into the starting XI.

Despite reports suggesting RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate will move to Anfield in the summer, Liverpool clearly need additional cover, given Joel Matip’s injury woes.

Now it’s three clean sheets in a row. I hope we will keep it up in the Madrid games too Ozan Kabak

Kabak can provide additional security, as well as fitting the club’s ethos when bringing in new players - youth, future potential and a relatively modest price tag. 

He isn’t the finished article and his early promise doesn’t necessarily guarantee future success. But the signs are undoubtedly good. 

Early promise

An average of 3.71 aerial duels won per 90 minutes puts Kabak in the Premier League’s top 20, so he’s clearly physically capable. 

A pass completion rate of 89.08% is evidence of his ability with the ball at his feet. 

The situation when Kabak arrived was unenviable and that only makes his quick adaptation all the more impressive. 

Ignoring criticism

Asked last month about the young defender’s progress, Klopp said: “I heard — I didn't read it — there was some criticism when Ozan came. 

“This is the world we are living in. You bring in a 20-year-old boy and everyone wants him to solve all our problems in one second and you don't give him time at all. 

“We didn't see it that way — and we are quite critical with ourselves and with the boys as well. Ozan played from the first moment really good.” 

Kabak, a few weeks into his time with Liverpool, is on the right track. If he continues on his current trajectory, a permanent switch to Anfield will be fully deserved.