Staff at England have been very impressed with the potential of Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah.
Quansah is the man of the moment after making his senior Liverpool debut at the weekend. Having come on against Newcastle at 1-0 down, he was part of the team that sensationally turned things around to win 2-1 at St James’ Park.
It was proud moment for Quansah, and the Reds academy. But according to a report in The Athletic this morning, the 20-year-old’s composed debut was not a surprise to some.
It’s claimed that at St George’s Park, the centre-back is seen as a player who ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ as one who can reach the very top of the game.
A youngster with tactical flexibility, calmness, composure and humility, there’s reportedly plenty of excitement within the England camp about the player Quansah can become.
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It’s often when gaps open up in squads that young players can begin to thrive. Plenty may be hoping Liverpool sign a new centre-back over the next couple of days, but the truth is that they’ve already got one.
Quansah may not be the big, shiny new name fans are crossing their fingers for, but he can certainly add something to this Reds team. Something they didn’t have last season.
He’s been a young player of some potential for quite some time. Having won the U19 European Championship with England – and been named in the Team of the Tournament – Quansah excelled at Bristol Rovers in League One last season.
None of that is of course enough to guarantee success when stepping into Liverpool’s first team. Neither is his encouraging pre-season or excellent debut.
But nevertheless, if the Reds don’t bring a new face in between now and Friday, Quansah’s presence should be reassuring.
Given the current state of Jurgen Klopp’s centre-back options, it does seem likely that the England U20 international will play some part this season.
Just how well he does may determine whether or not Liverpool enter the market or not in the near future. For the time being, the ball appears to be in Jarell’s court.