The Rise to the Top - Jarell Quansah | From the U18s Captain to the First Team

It's easy to overlook Jarell Quansah's difficult road to the Premier League, after an incredible breakthrough season for Liverpool.

Conor Bradley and Quansah both had successful seasons in Red for the first time in their careers; having previously played and made an impact elsewhere on the football pyramid.

Throughout his nine years at Anfield, Jurgen Kloppmade use of the young players, developing several of them into key members of the Reds first squad. Of them, Trent Alexander Arnold and Harvey Elliottstand out.

With aspirations of being a regular fixture in the starting lineup, Jarell Quansah joined the Reds at the age of five, having previously played for a local team in his hometown of Warrington.

After performing well for the U18s, he signed a professional deal with Liverpool in February 2021. He would play with a plethora of up-and-coming talent, such as Billy Koumetio, Melkamu Frauendorf, Max Woltman, Conor Bradley, and Luke Chambers, all of whom are still developing, and be selected captain of the FA Cup Youth Final.

He would play in Premier League 2 the next season with the reserves, winning the Lancashire Senior Cup in the process.

To further support his growth, Quansah and Liverpool would try their hand at a lower rung of the football pyramid in January 2023 with League One side Bristol Rovers.

Even though Morecambe defeated Bristol Rovers 5-1 on his debut, he would still have impressive moments throughout.

He would eventually play for the Pirates for 16 games before joining the Reds again.

Although his debut for the Reds would be more memorable, when he replaced Joel Matip in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United after a brace late on from Darwin Nunez.

Three months later, in the Europa League during a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in the Group stage matches, he would net his first goal for the Reds.

After replacing Ibrahima Konate in the 106th minute of the match, he would win his first trophy on February 25, 2024, when the Reds won the coveted FA Cup.

Under Gareth Southgate's guidance, the youngster who had previously represented the U16s through the U21s earned his first senior appearance for England. It has certainly been a campaign to remember.

Facts and Stats

The Englishman would get much-needed playing time when Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate suffered unanticipated injuries.

Having made an incredible 17 Premier League outings. He would only lose once, and that would be in the closing stages of the campaign against rivalsEverton, in a historic win for the Toffees.

However, there was still hope for the season as Quansah scored goals in both of the last two games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa.

The 21-year-old would only manage two clean sheets across his seventeen cameos, and we all know the struggles towards the end of the season for clean sheets.

As per the Premier League, he would win 64% of his duels and have an 88% success rate on tackles.

Future Star?

Since moving up to the Premier League, it has been evident that Quansah possesses the skills necessary to compete on the big stage.

Many people think Quansah might be the long-term solution at centre back. Virgil van Dijk's departure whenever it happens will be leave a huge hole, he has played spectacular since joining from Southampton.

Complacency has only appeared in a few of games, but otherwise, Jarell has been outstanding.

Even if he had a fantastic season and matured nicely, in my opinion, the priority in the upcoming transfer window ought to be another central defender.

This might limit Jarell's playing time and have an impact on his growth. Allowing Quansah to leave on loan to a Premier League team where he can get consistent playing time and continuously improve and establish himself could be the wisest course of action.

He is undoubtedly a member of the future.