Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson says he has been reassured by those who have watched Ozan Kabak in the Bundesliga that he has the potential to become a top defender.

The Reds snapped up the Turkish international on loan from Schalke earlier this month, with the option to buy the centre-back for £18m in the summer.

However, Kabak had a rough debut against Leicester City last weekend but Lawrenson fears were eased when he heard what some “respected” friends of his had to say about the 20-year-old:

“Everybody tells me that’s seen him play in Germany that he’s going to be a proper player, so people who I respect, I would have to take their impression rather than just seeing him for 90 minutes.”

After a difficult start at the King Power Stadium, Kabak did put in a much better showing in the 2-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

There were still some minor mistakes from him, but it is clear that he possesses a great deal of potential. Considering he won’t have the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez or Joel Matip to guide him through games, though, it will be a baptism of fire.