Jarell Quansah has displayed remarkable maturity in addressing his halftime substitution during Liverpool’s season opener, stating that it served as a much-needed “wake-up call.”
The 21-year-old Liverpool defender reflected on the decision to be replaced at halftime against Ipswich while on international duty with England’s Under-21s this week. Quansah admitted that although he initially felt disappointed, a conversation with manager Arne Slot gave him renewed determination for the rest of the season.
Although Quansah’s performance in the first half wasn’t particularly poor, Slot was looking to strengthen the team’s ability to compete in aerial battles and opted to bring on Ibrahima Konate, who has since started the following two matches.
In a conversation with reporters, including those from the Standard, Quansah shared his thoughts: “It’s a long season, and I’ve got plenty of time to prove myself.”
He continued: “That halftime sub gave me a bit of a jolt, a reminder to keep pushing myself. I’ll keep working hard on the training ground, and that’s all I can focus on. No footballer enjoys being subbed off at halftime, but in the end, it was the manager’s call, and it was the right one.”
Talks with Arne Slot and Learning from Van Dijk
Despite the initial disappointment, Quansah responded positively, explaining that Slot reached out to him right after the game and the following day. “After we talked, I even asked if I could get back to training,” Quansah said.
This week, Quansah was also named man of the match for England U21s in their victory over Northern Ireland. Reflecting on his experience, he added: “All I can do is focus on myself, keep improving, and look forward to the next match.”
Quansah’s development has undoubtedly been influenced by learning from seasoned professionals like Virgil van Dijk, who plays a similar defensive role. “The way Virgil communicates throughout a game, I’ve never seen anyone else do it like him,” Quansah revealed. “Sure, it can get frustrating sometimes, but it’s all for the greater good.”
He added: “With all the experience he has, it’s only right that he shares his knowledge to help us become better players.”
Quansah also outlined his long-term goals: “If I’m starting for Liverpool, I need to be one of the best centre-backs in Europe. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be the best in the world at my position, and that’s what I’m aiming for. Even if it takes time, I’m not going to let it discourage me if it doesn’t happen by the 2026 World Cup.”
He emphasized his focus on continuous improvement, adding: “I know what I need to do. The more games I play, the more chances will come, and it’s all about making the most of those opportunities.”
During his breakthrough season, where he made 33 appearances, Quansah demonstrated that he has the potential to be a key figure in Liverpool’s future. Although the start of life under Slot hasn’t been ideal on a personal level, the young defender has shown that he possesses both the mindset and talent to excel at the highest level.
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