At only 24, Turkish born footballer Ozan Kabak is on schedule to inking his name in football history books, among top defenders in the world.
His humility and calm demeanour as he converse with journalists from cross Africa, gives away little in to the level of sacrifice and hard work that has gone in to shaping Ozan Kabak in to a prolific defender.
The 24 year old player is currently plying his trade with German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
From the word go the Turkish born defender set his eyes on being among top defenders in the game if not the best in the world.
His admiration for Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk is unparalleled. Five years after revealing his desire to play at the same level as Virgil, the burning desire is still on.
‘’ I am not yet at Virgil’s level because he is still plying higher level football at Liverpool. He is a regular player in the starting eleven as well. While at Liverpool three years ago, I had a chance to work and train with Van Dijk, I have seen him play, observed his mental strength and so it goes without saying I have good tips on how to get to a higher level.’’
Current statistics in the Bundesliga and Hoffeinheim’s internal player raking suggests that Kabak is on schedule.
The Center back has started in all his 26 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Kabak has made 17 shots, won 294 tackles and 84 aerial duels.
His prowess both in assisting and defending has seen him ranked second in the teams internal ranking.
‘’Playing in every single game for the club feels really good. I have tried to give my best in the last two years at Hofffenheim. Making the first eleven in all Bundesliga matches is something special, and at the same time not easy. I try to demand more from myself and be a useful player for the team’’
Kabak is a regular for the Turkish national team, has played in the Turkish league, the English premier league and German Bundesliga. Playing under Jurgen Klop is among his major career highlights so far.
Ozan ranks the English premier league as the best league in the world and Bundesliga as the toughest.
‘’ In Bundesliga you need to be careful always. Any team can beat any team. Even while playing an already relegated team, you can steal lose the match.’’
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