Liverpool have seen some excellent performances from young players during pre-season so far.
The Reds took a very fresh-faced squad to the USA to play against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United.
With so many of the first-team squad still away on holiday, there was a chance for some youngsters to lay down a marker with Arne Slot.
During Saturday’s game against Betis in Pittsburgh, it was 17-year-old Trey Nyoni who really stood out for Liverpool.
And though Nyoni was tidy again in a 45-minute appearance against Arsenal on Thursday, it was a fellow Liverpool academy graduate who shone in Philadelphia.
Jarell Quansah earns fans plaudits
With senior Liverpool players starting to come back into the fold, young stars are getting less opportunities to impress.
However, one 21-year-old who does not need to worry about diminishing chances in-front of Slot is Jarell Quansah.
The centre-back is a fully-fledged first-team member by now and alongside Sepp van den Berg has been the head coach’s go-to partnership in pre-season so far.
On Thursday, Quansah showed that he could well continue that into the season. The youngster was brilliant, with Liverpool fans flocking to social media site X to sing Quansah’s praises.
“Quansah is absolutely sensational,” wrote one user. “Genuinely haven’t seen anything like this from a young upcoming centre back in forever.”
“Quansah again being massive in defence,” said another. “This kid is amazing.”
Meanwhile, the defender was even praised by Arsenal supporters. “Quansah is a lot better than non-Liverpool fans give him credit for,” says one fan of the Gunners.
Reds supporters know just how good their No.78 is, though, with plenty giving him his due during the match.
“Quansah is an unbelievable talent man. So so mature for his age,” someone mused.
“Quansah is absolute gold,” was the verdict of another fan, with one more hailing Jurgen Klopp for unearthing him. “So lucky we have Quansah! What a find that was from Klopp.”
Jarell Quansah ready for bigger role
Quansah shining should not be a surprise to anyone who’s been watching Liverpool over the past year.
Whatever has been thrown at him, Jarell has responded impressively. Time after time he has been asked to step up and go again. And he always delivers.
With Liverpool potentially looking for a new centre-back in the market, they should do everything they can not to block the pathway for Quansah.
If another defender is not brought in, then he has a genuine chance to be Liverpool’s starting defender next to Virgil van Dijk.
His calmness, composure and physicality make Quansah an immediate standout alongside younger players who is now a real role model for. What a talent we have on our hands.
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