Young Star Jarell Quansah
Matchday 19 saw the reds travel to Turf Moor, where Liverpool’s former rival, Vinny Kompany, is now in charge of struggling Burnley. The want to move to the top of the table would have been further motivated by the need to overcome someone that once levelled Mohamed Salah, before celebrating that act with his 115-charge squad mates. A form victory was delivered, though it needed strong resistance to get there.
An Excellent Defensive Unit
This result should really have been wrapped by in the first half, as the visiting reds dominated play and created several good openings. James Trafford was superb in the Burnley goal; however, it was the magnificent performance of both Jarell Quansah and his mentor, Virgil van Dijk, which stood out above all else. It cannot be argued or ignored how much of an influence the Liverpool captain is having this season, with his return to world class form helping to carry his team to the top of the Premier League table. Alongside him has been a very good (though now injured), Joël Matip, whereas both Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez are enjoying superb campaigns. The story of the season must undoubtedly be the emphatic emergence of Jarell Quansah, who looks every bit the elite level prospect. This is a 6ft 3inch central defender who was excelling for Bristol Rovers last year, as a loanee that was managed by the controversial Joey Barton. The most recent preseason months saw the giant Warrington born centre back ushered into the first team group, which left much of the fanbase underwhelmed by his presence. It was deemed a cheap and ineffective move to negate signing an extra player in the summer of change, though it now looks like the reds have saved themselves upwards of £70m in recruitment fees.
An Exciting Prospect
Every game that sees this monstrous footballer, is now an exciting opportunity to see a brilliant asset perform. To have just 35 senior appearances to his name is astounding, especially given the level of maturity and ability that is always on show. Every box is being readily ticked and I very much assume that as Joe Gomez once was, young Quansah is being taken fully under the wing of his experienced Dutch captain. Whether it be high line defending, low block assurance, or the instant requirement to make tough decisions, the Liverpool number 78 is outperforming most of his teammates this season, which is nothing short of remarkable.
The below statistics show how yet another great game was played and just how effective a season he is enjoying, with an ability to play on either side of the defensive line. I would imagine that Gareth Southgate will be taking a very strong look at this enormous specimen, as the imposing player certainly looks like he is here to stay.
Jarrel Quansah vs Burnley
90 mins
116 touches
87% pass accuracy
8 passes into final third
9/11 aerial duels won
5 recoveries
1 interceptionAnother brilliant display by the 20 year old. pic.twitter.com/T0QxZHL65b
— Moby (@Mobyhaque1) December 26, 2023
Today was a worrying game at times, until today’s man of the match stepped into the breach to ensure his club secured a much-needed clean sheet.
🏴 Jarell Quansah completed the most passes (95) for #LFC once again
In his last 8 starts he’s completed the most passes 7 times.
Won 9 out of 12 duels and made 5 recoveries. Phenomenal performance by him.
A very bright future ahead. pic.twitter.com/e4kjKZjGkE
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) December 26, 2023
Sublime.
Pre-match Prediction;
Burnley 1 – 3 Liverpool