Jarell Quansah’s decision to choose Liverpool over other Premier League giants like Manchester United and Manchester City seems to be rooted in his successful integration into the team, particularly after a standout pre-season that caught Jurgen Klopp’s attention. His loan spell at Bristol Rovers last season likely contributed to his development, and upon his return, he managed to impress Klopp enough to earn a spot in the team.
Quansah’s subsequent performances alongside Virgil van Dijk have been notable, with the young centre-back making 23 appearances across all competitions and becoming an integral part of Liverpool’s defense. This partnership and his overall contribution to the team’s success have solidified his place as a promising talent for Liverpool’s future.
Speaking to The Athletic about his rise, Quansah said: “Coming into the season, it was more about the opportunity to train with the best players in the world and learn from them.”
He added: “Last summer, I probably thought the plan would be to go out on loan again. But when I went on pre-season with the first team I just said to myself, ‘You’ve got to give everything and show what you can do’.
“Thankfully, I did that, and I was able to kick on. I’ve learned already in football that it’s a mad game and anything can happen.”
Quansah discussed his experience of joining Liverpool when he was five years old. He had trained with various clubs throughout the North West before ultimately deciding on the Reds.
“I went around different places to see what was out there,” he added. “I did City, Manchester United, Wigan, Bolton… all of them.
“Back then, I was just playing and enjoying what I was doing. Any time I could play football, I was happy. My parents thought having more options would be better.
“I just remember Liverpool offering the best training. That was where I enjoyed my football the most and that’s why I stayed.”
Jay Spearing, who is a player-coach in Liverpool’s academy set-up, named Quansah as his stand-out performer since he joined in 2022.
“Jarell has been outstanding,” he told. “When I first came up with the 21s, he was a lad who wanted to learn. He would ask me questions day in and day out.
“For him, the best thing for him was to go out on loan at Bristol Rovers – to go and play against grown men who are going to throw elbows at you. He was always going to find it difficult, but he needed that repetition. He needed that challenge.
Spearing added: “I remember him coming back to me and saying, ‘That’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done’. It was a huge challenge compared to playing against an 18 or 19-year-old in Premier League 2.
“For him to go away and then come back from that loan and kick on like he’s done. It’s a credit to him, but it’s also a credit to the staff around the place.”