Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Jarell Quansah after his performance for Liverpool in the EFL Cup against Bournemouth. The defender was fantastic.
This was an incredibly difficult game for Jarell Quansah. The 20-year-old not only stepped into a game against a Premier League side but also needed to contend with awful weather conditions.
Storm Ciaran dominated the fixture, causing havoc at both ends as wind and rain crashed around the pitch. It made things particularly difficult for Liverpool, who like to leave their defenders quite isolated as the rest of the team presses high.
Usually, that means the centre-backs are sweeping up long balls upfield with relative ease. Here, however, the weather made things wildly unpredictable both in the air and on the pitch.
It was a true test for the very inexperienced Quansah – but one he passed with flying colours.
“It was really good in these circumstances, wow,” said Klopp in his post-match press conference. “So many difficult balls to judge, to estimate. Really good on the ball, as well.
“We though, quite obviously, to give him the ball quite a lot and see what he can do. Did really well there, too. Yeah, top game – absolutely.”
And Klopp isn’t kidding. Quansah saw more of the ball against Bournemouth than anyone, completing an incredible 85 passes across the 95 minutes. That was 29 more than any other player (Curtis Jones, despite going off, was second with 56).
Not only that, but Quansah was happy to dribble the ball out from the back regularly, the highlight being a Cruyff turn on the touchline to get out of trouble. It’s becoming increasingly clear that little troubles the young defender – not even torrential rain.
Klopp’s impressed, we’re impressed, and Liverpool have another really talented player here. Quansah could well become a first-team fixture for years to come.
