Youngster Jarell Quansah could start for Liverpool in tonight’s UEFA Europa League fixture.
Liverpool travel to Union Saint-Gilloise in their final group game having already qualified for the knockout stages. They have also already topped the group, winning four of their five matches so far.
The Reds climbed to top spot in the Premier League at the weekend thanks to a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace. As a result of their premature qualification in Europe, many see Thursday’s trip to Brussels as a superb opportunity to rest key players and give fringe players and youngsters some game time.
One such youngster is 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah.
Who Is Jarell Quansah?
Jarell Quansah is a right-footed centre-back, who has also played right-back regularly during his youth career. A composed defender with good ability on the ball, Quansah is one of Liverpool’s brightest young talents.
The Warrington-born starlet has already made five Premier League appearances this season. He made his senior debut in August, replacing Joel Matip as the Reds beat Newcastle 2-1 in the Premier League.
He made his first start on 16 September in a 3-1 win against Wolves. His first assist followed against Leicester City in the EFL Cup as he set up Diogo Jota. The youngster has also played a key role in the Europa League, making four appearances.
Jarell Quansah is proud of what #LFC have achieved already this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/YGKL8AbyzJ
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 14, 2023
Jarell Quansah’s Liverpool career is a long one, joining the youth system in 2008 at the age of five. He signed his first professional contract in February 2021, captaining the under-18 side to the FA Youth Cup final in the same season.
In 2021/22, he again led the youth side in the UEFA Youth League, while also featuring in the Premier League 2 squad with Liverpool’s reserves. He was named on the first team bench against Tottenham in the Premier League, but did not make his debut until this season.
A loan spell with League One club Bristol Rovers furthered Jarell Quansah’s development in 2022/23. He joined the Pirates on 20 January, with manager Joey Barton full of praise for the youngster.
Barton highlighted Quansah’s calmness and ability on the ball after an impressive performance against Ipswich Town.
Jarell Quansah’s Potential
With Joel Matip’s season-ending ACL rupture, Quansah could earn plenty of minutes in the coming months. Having studied drone footage of club captain Virgil van Dijk, Quansah is hoping to take his game to the next level.
Both van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold have heaped praise on Quansah. The two team leaders have also mentioned his calmness and strong mentality, while Jurgen Klopp has been pleasantly surprised at the speed of his progress.
Already an England youth international, Quansah has partnered well in midfield for the under-21s with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jarell Quansah recorded an assist as England secured #U19EURO glory on Friday. 👏
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 2, 2022
Many fans have been calling for Liverpool to spend big in January to bring in a new defender – but could Quansah be the answer?
He would save Liverpool anywhere close to £100 million if he manages to establish himselfr as a top-level Premier League defender by the end of the season.
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