Jarell Quansah speaks out on Arne Slot Liverpool snub with 'Europe's best defender' remark

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has candidly shared that his half-time substitution during Arne Slot’s debut as manager acted as “a kick up the backside.”

The 21 year old was unexpectedly withdrawn by Slot at half-time while the Reds were levelled at 0-0 with newly-promoted Ipswich Town. His replacement, Ibrahima Konate, helped secure a 2-0 victory for Liverpool in their Premier League opener.

Following his omission from Liverpool’s subsequent two matches, Quansah made a strong comeback during an international fixture. After a standout performance for England U21s in a goalless draw against Northern Ireland, Quansah reflected on the managerial move, acknowledging: “It’s a long season, I have the whole season to prove myself.”

He accepted the tough love approach, stating: “It’s given me a kick up the backside, you could say. I’ll keep grafting on the training pitch and that’s all it is. It’s never a nice feeling as a footballer to be subbed off at half-time but at the end of the day it was the gaffer’s decision and it was the right one.”

Quansah also noted the effective outcome of his substitution, conceding, “It obviously worked because we won, so I can only focus on myself, improve myself, kick forward and move on to the next game. I’m staying ready for whenever it comes.”

Quansah made a commendable 33 appearances in all competitions last season, but now finds himself vying with Konate and Joe Gomez for a spot next to skipper Virgil van Dijk, who has been instrumental in helping the young player settle in.

“The way Virgil talks you through the game, I’ve never heard anyone like it,” Quansah revealed.

“He might annoy us at times but it’s all for the greater good. With all the experience he has and the situations he’s been in, it’s only fair that he can share his knowledge so we can be the best players we can. I’ll have to be one of the best centre-halves in Europe if I’m starting (for Liverpool).”

“It’s always been the goal since I was young, I’ve always wanted to be the best in the world in my position and so I’m striving for that and it doesn’t matter how long it takes, I’m not going to get too disheartened if it’s not 2026 (World Cup), I know what I need to do and hopefully I keep improving.”

Quansah received a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s training squad ahead of Euro 2024 but is yet to earn his first senior England cap. “The more and more games I play, it will come and it’s about taking that opportunity,” he concluded.