Jarell Quansah explains what Virgil van Dijk says to him before Liverpool matches

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One of the revelations of the season, not just for Liverpool but for the Premier League has been Jarell Quansah. The 20-year-old came almost out of nowhere to emerge as one of the brightest young centre-back prospects in the league.

Quansah has stepped-up time and time again, proving himself in pre-season. Then gradually making his mark in Liverpool’s first team in competitive action as well.

He has never looked fazed. Every time he has played for Liverpool, Quansah has looked like he belongs on the pitch. Even against the champions, Manchester City, last weekend Quansah never looked like he was out of place. If anything, he rose to the challenge and was one of the better players on the pitch.

He completed the most passes for Liverpool (77) and also made the most recoveries (11). As defensive displays go up against one of the most lethal forwards in Erling Haaland – it was a solid showing from Quansah.

Jarell Quansah on Virgil van Dijk

In Virgil van Dijk, Quansah undoubtedly has one of the best teachers in world football. There are few players in the last decade who have been as accomplished in the centre-back role as the Liverpool captain.

Many have even likened Quansah to Van Dijk, including Jurgen Klopp, who called him Virgil 2.0 (talkSPORT). The way he is so composed and able to read the game are both very similar traits to Van Dijk.

Now speaking to The Athletic, Quansah has opened up about how Van Dijk has helped him since he has come into the first team. He also revealed what they talk about before games for Liverpool.

“Virgil talks you through the game when you’re in it. Before the game, he’s telling you about opposition strikers and what to expect: what their strengths are, what they tend to do in certain situations. As captain of the team, he sets the standards,” Quansah said.

This little tiny tidbit just shows how professionally and seriously Van Dijk takes every game. There is a reason why he is the best defender in world football and a lot of that comes down to how he prepares. It’s great to have Quansah soaking up all that information.