‘Fantastic talent’… Virgil Van Dijk raves about what 20-year-old has been doing for Liverpool recently

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Virgil van Dijk has explained what he’s liked about Jarell Quansah’s career at Liverpool so far.

Quansah has been a surprise package for the Reds so far in 2023/24. Having enjoyed a successful 90-minute outing against Burnley this evening, the 20-year-old is now unbeaten in six Premier League appearances.

The first of those outings was at Newcastle United back in August. And speaking via liverpoolfc.com following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Burnley tonight, Van Dijk said that ever since then, Quansah has been improving.

“He’s a fantastic talent,” raved the 32-year-old. “He’s up and coming and from the moment he had his chance in his debut away at Newcastle he’s been improving.

“It’s nice to see. I really like that. If I can help him I am very pleased.”

Van Dijk helps Quansah along

There’s no question that playing next to Van Dijk will be helping young Jarell with his game.

The academy prospect has actually played with all of Virgil, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez so far. But it’s from the Reds captain that he’ll learn the most.

Jurgen Klopp suggested as much when speaking in his own post-match press conference tonight. Asked about Quansah’s latest assured display, the Liverpool manager admitted that partnering Van Dijk is a dream scenario for Jarell.

“I think it helps him [Quansah] a lot to play next to Virg,” Klopp admitted.

“He can play with Ibou as well but Virg is still the step up in leadership, I would say, and that helps for sure. It was a good performance, I liked it a lot.”

Having come through the full game at Turf Moor, Quansah has now completed a full Premier League match for the first time.

In a season full of big moments for the academy graduate, that’s another one to be really proud of.

With the January window now fast approaching, calls for Liverpool to bring in a new centre-half will grow louder. But if Quansah keeps putting in performances like this, then the Reds won’t feel the need to panic. Had they signed someone in the summer, Jarell probably wouldn’t be getting the opportunities that he is.

It’s one thing getting the chance though, another thing entirely to take them and take them with conviction. But that’s exactly what Jarell has been doing ever since that debut on Tyneside. Virgil can see it, and just about the whole fan base should now, too.