21-year-old defender Jarell Quansah, who made 34 first-team appearances, emerged like a comet in Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge.
In addition to his excellent physique, he has impeccable technique with his feet and, above all, a calm and composed style of play that belies his age.
However, he has fallen down the pecking order in the team following the appointment of Arne Slot as manager. Joe Gomez has been used during the period when Ibrahima Konate was injured, and his position is now in jeopardy, with Japan defender Wataru Endo being used as a centre-back recently.
Liverpool are also said to be looking at new centre-backs, but the England U-21 defender said it is now a learning period. He also revealed that he is hard on himself when he performs at the top level.
“Every game is a learning process for myself. I am not getting too down if I make a mistake or two.”
“I just know I need to learn. It is going to be a long career for myself hopefully. Try to keep level, don’t let the highs be too high and don’t get too low with the lows. Temperament is the most important thing for me or a young centre back. [I] learn off the players around me.”
“I am not going to sit here and say it’s easy. It is always tough. But it is all about how you prepare, putting yourself in the best mind frame and physical condition. It is not easy when you are not in the team but you need to do everything you can for the team. Keep pushing.”
“I have not changed anything. I am always looking at my game whether I play good or bad. I am not going to be the finished article yet. I am my harshest critic, I have always said that. But whether I play good or bad, I will criticise myself. When I play my best games, that is probably when I have been the harshest on myself.”
“I like to work on myself. I could name 100 things that you guys wouldn’t see. The manager could say a few things but I am just working to be where I want to be in the future. I know it will not happen overnight. It takes hours and hours of work and that is what I am willing to do.”
Liverpool Echo
It remains to be seen how many games he will be able to pitch in, but there are six months left until the season. With cup competitions still to come, the opportunity to showcase his skills is there.
Will the young centre-back win the trust of manager Arne Slot and play at Anfield next season?