Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praises Jarell Quansah for his top performance alongside captain Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on Jarell Quansah for his elegant performance against Burnley alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. Quansah helped the Reds keep a clean sheet as they dominated Burnley in a 2-0 Premier League Boxing Day victory.

Liverpool are currently facing an injury crisis in the defence department after Kostas Tsimikas sustained a collarbone fracture against Arsenal. A season-long injury has already sidelined Joel Matip, while Andy Robertson remains out until January for the Reds.

Klopp has deployed versatile defender Joe Gomez at the left-back position but the congested period demands squad rotation. Senior team centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Gomez have a poor history of nagging injuries, making things harder for the manager.

However, Quansah’s rise to the senior team from Liverpool Academy has been steep and highly fortunate in the current situation. The 20-year-old has appeared in 15 games for the Reds in all competitions, contributing with a goal and two assists.

The England U21 has finished eight out of those 15 games, justifying the faith that Klopp has in him. The 20-year-old dominated the game against Burnley, restricting them to zero shots on target in their home ground.

Klopp praised Quansah’s performance during the post-match press conference (h/t Liverpool FC’s official site), highlighting his importance in the squad. He said:

“Yeah, top, really good. We have so many games and Jarell is a fixed part of this first line-up – in, out, in, out, with the amount of games we play. There is not a line-up, there are line-ups and as long as they are all fit then one will start and the other will not, all these kinds of things. He did really well. A good footballer, which is really helpful. I think it helps him a lot to play next to Virg.”

Standing at 1.90 metres, Quansah enjoys the height advantage in aerial duels both in offensive and defensive part of game. Quansah has the physical built, athleticism combined with game intelligence and smart positioning which helps him in defending.

The 20-year-old shows good decision-making and maturity in tackling despite the lack of experience, staying on his feet to tackle. He reads the game brilliantly and he has made some fantastic last-ditch tackles, using long strides and deceptive pace.

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Quansah earned comparison with his captain Van Dijk for his abilities on the ball, making him an all-round modern-day defender. The comparison with one of the best defenders in the world is a huge praise in itself.

The 20-year-old thrives in that pressure and he is earning valuable lessons under the leadership of Van Dijk. His teammates trust Quansah well on the ball, relying on his passing abilities to distribute from the backline. Klopp is the perfect manager for Quansah to develop into a fantastic centre-back at Liverpool. The 20-year-old has a very high ceiling and Kopites love when an academy player stamps his name for years in the senior team.