Liverpool center-back Jarell Quansah needs to be more consistent in his performances but could play for the Reds for years to come, in the opinion of his head coach, Arne Slot.
Last weekend, Quansah played well in the most part against Chelsea but ended up scoring an unfortunate own-goal and giving away a penalty at Stamford Bridge. Against Arsenal this Sunday or in one of the other two remaining Premier League fixtures that Liverpool has to play this season, he could get another chance to impress.
“He played a really good game at Chelsea,” Slot said during his pre-Arsenal press conference. “Maybe the last step he has to make, and he already has, but on a more consistent level, is not to be involved in that moment with the penalty.
“It would probably have been better for him if it hadn’t happened. Then everyone would have been much more positive about his performance.
“He is fast, strong, good on the ball and has all the qualities, and he has already shown that, to play as a center-back for this club. But the biggest part of us winning the league is consistency and that is the most difficult part for a younger player to get.
“Some of them, like Lamine Yamal, it isn’t a problem! Jarell has developed really well throughout the season and the next step for him is to show that consistency in his performance.”
(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Quansah started the season in the Liverpool starting XI, but was hooked at half-time on the opening day against Ipswich Town. His only other start before he came in against Chelsea was at right-back against Newcastle United in December.
“It is so hard to play for Liverpool, for players from the academy or those who we bring in,” Slot continued. “You have to be really, really good and do so many things at such a high level.
“He has maybe been unlucky that the other defenders stayed fit and showed such high levels in their performance. Jarell did too but one moment can change the perception.
“These small details can make a big difference but he can play here for many years to come.”
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Liverpool.com says: Quansah falls into the category of Reds players who could face a decision this summer if a big enough offer comes in. He will struggle to be in the first XI many times next season, but shouldn’t be ushered out of the door either.
There is still a big talent to be unlocked in Quansah and he has a lot of very good attributes. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate some way ahead of him, though, regular minutes will be hard to come by even before the summer.
In the transfer window, another defender could also be added into the roster amid interest in Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, for instance. If that happens, Quansah will find it even harder to get on the field, which is what he needs for his development.
