Even diehard Liverpool fans could be forgiven for not knowing much about half the kids touring the United States this summer. This time last year, a certain Jarell Quansah fell into that category.
He went on that two-game trip to sunny Singapore on the back of a nice loan at League One Bristol Rovers, and at the time it was not disrespectful to think he was there just to boost the numbers.
A year on, Quansah is the shining light of Liverpool’s journey across the Atlantic, having delivered some fantastic performances and is now a clear contender to become the Reds’ second centre-back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the new season.
Of course, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez will struggle with the above statement. But 21-year-old Quansah, who was alongside the captain at the end of last season, is the real deal.
In a short but powerful interview in Philadelphia, Quansah is asked if he’s ever suffered from imposter syndrome after his meteoric rise from youth player to first-team regular. “Never an imposter, no,” he says. “Never anything like that.”
Jarell Quansah was a low-profile 12 months ago, but now he’s a star player for Liverpool’s first team
Quansah (right) pictured winning a header during this week’s friendly against Arsenal
‘I’ve always wanted to be a starting centre-back for Liverpool, so it’s never been like I’ve just ended up here. You’ve all seen it as the last year, but I’ve been at Liverpool for 16 years, and I’ve worked hard, which you probably don’t see. That’s always been my goal and my plan.’
Quansah was mentioned by Newcastle as part of a move that would see young Liverpool fan Anthony Gordon join Anfield, as well as Joe Gomez. The main reason for this, of course, was the Reds’ interest in the England winger.
But Liverpool’s stance was also worth noting: Quansah isn’t going anywhere. Jurgen Klopp has been pleasantly surprised by his development and new boss Arne Slot is excited about the prospect of coaching the youngster to the next level.
With Joel Matip set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer having missed the majority of last season due to a nagging injury (he has yet to find a new team), many suspected that centre-back would be the key area Liverpool would focus on improving this season.
But Quansah could be the man to save the Reds the £75m premium they currently pay for a top-quality centre half. He has a composure that belies his years on the ball and always seems to be in the right place in defence.
Asked if he’s had time to process his rise, he says: ‘I probably haven’t realised it as much as everyone would think I have realised it. It’s not a realisation of how I’ve done it so far, but a realisation that I’m capable of playing at the level.
“And I can push through much better. There are so many things I can look back on last year and improve on. There are so many goals I have to achieve, that’s the realization.”
Asked what exactly he needs to improve, he adds: ‘I think you can figure it out yourself, I always look at previous games to see where I can improve. I’m not going to tell anyone any secrets about what I’m working on.
‘I’m still young, there’s still a lot to improve. That’s the best part, I know I can be good sometimes, but there’s so much potential and I have to keep working hard to make it happen.’
Quansah spoke to Liverpool fans earlier this week at an event at The Fillmore Philadelphia
Quansah made 33 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions last season, scoring three goals
Quansah is a steady head with an excellent attitude. Having joined the club at the age of five – his family are Manchester United fans – the defender has always shown a determination to learn that many children may not possess.
Last year, he asked Liverpool to provide him with drone footage and wide-angle shots of Van Dijk’s defence. He spent hours studying snaps of the Dutchman, but he also studied players like John Stones, Sergio Ramos and Leonardo Bonucci to see how they move off the ball.
He has also been described as someone who ‘goes crazy’ and studies clips of South American defenders to study as many different types of players as possible. When he was injured, Matip was said to have been influential in talking to Quansah and giving him lectures on how to improve himself.
Speaking at an event at the Phillimore earlier this week, the defender said: “Virgil is a Rolls-Royce. He is everything I want to be as a centre-back. I can learn so much from him. I have learned so much, not just from Virg but from the whole back line.
“He is the best central defender in the world. To have a role model like him, who I have always looked up to, is great for me.”
Quansah pictured next to Virgil van Dijk (right) during a match against Man United last season
Former England manager Gareth Southgate was also a big fan of Quansah, and was even asked to continue training with the group ahead of the European Championships, even after the provisional squad had been reduced.
‘[The experience with England] ‘It was really good, I can’t thank Gareth enough for that opportunity,’ he added. ‘Just to be around the best players in the country and get that recognition for the season I’ve had, it was a good experience for me.’
