Report: Young Liverpool defender steps up when needed most | OneFootball

Quansah’s Moment: Why Liverpool Needed This Defensive Resurgence

Jarell Quansah’s name may not yet carry the weight of Liverpool’s defensive greats, but if recent performances are anything to go by, the 22-year-old is beginning to prove why he is exactly what the team needed.

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Had his header against Paris Saint-Germain spun an inch the other way, it could have been a defining moment in his young career. Instead, it struck the post and rolled agonisingly across the face of goal. But football isn’t just about the fine margins; it’s about resilience, about taking those knocks and coming back stronger. And that’s precisely what Quansah is doing at a time when Liverpool need him most.

Bouncing Back from Early-Season Struggles

A year ago, Quansah was seen as one of the most exciting young defenders to break into the first team in years. Under Jürgen Klopp, he started 27 games in all competitions last season, forming part of a squad that punched above its weight in an injury-hit campaign.

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Fast forward to this season, and things haven’t been quite as straightforward. A tough start saw him withdrawn at half-time on the opening day against Ipswich Town, a moment that seemed to knock his confidence. The following Carabao Cup appearances against West Ham and Brighton didn’t help his cause, with criticism levelled at his role in goals conceded.

For much of the season, he has been out of the starting XI, making only 10 starts so far. But in football, opportunities come when you least expect them, and Liverpool’s defensive injuries have forced Arne Slot to turn to the young centre-back once more.

Growing in Confidence at the Right Time

Signs of Quansah’s resurgence had been there earlier in the year, with solid performances against Lille and Accrington Stanley in January. However, those were overshadowed by difficult outings against Tottenham—where he was substituted after 30 minutes due to illness—and PSV, where he struggled.

But then came his second-half showing against Wolves last month. Slot’s decision to bring him on at half-time, with Ibrahima Konaté on a yellow card, was a big moment. He didn’t just slot into the defence; he looked like the composed and commanding player Liverpool fans saw last season. A crucial late interception helped preserve a 2-1 lead, and suddenly, the belief was back.

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“I think everyone has seen recently already, because he (Quansah) played a few games recently that he did really well, and I see in training sessions that he is back to being the same Jarell as he was in pre-season,” said Slot.

That faith was rewarded again in the Champions League tie against PSG. Brought on at right-back—an unfamiliar role—Quansah was solid, showing composure beyond his years. It wasn’t the heroic moment his glancing header nearly provided, but it was another reminder of why Liverpool needed him.

A Key Role in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Plans

With Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined due to an ankle injury and Conor Bradley also out, Quansah could find himself starting at right-back in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.

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Ironically, the only other time he has played there this season was against the Magpies in a chaotic 3-3 draw at St James’ Park. That night, he battled against Anthony Gordon—one of Newcastle’s most dangerous players—and came out with credit. Slot backed his defender despite external criticism, saying, “First of all, I think Jarell played quite a good game… If you look back at the game, you see that in his one-v-ones he had not many problems.”

This time, Gordon will not be on the pitch, having been sent off in Newcastle’s FA Cup loss to Brighton. Instead, Quansah could be up against Harvey Barnes, a different kind of winger but one who will pose a serious test nonetheless. Barnes isn’t as quick as Gordon but is a more direct attacker, cutting inside and looking for shooting opportunities.

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It’s a difficult challenge, but Quansah has already proven he can adapt. Against Manchester City, he stepped in late on to help Liverpool see out a crucial win, handling the threat of Jeremy Doku. While Alexander-Arnold’s absence will leave a creative gap, Slot has hinted that Quansah’s role could be more akin to how Ben White operates for Arsenal—solid defensively and focused on ball progression rather than marauding forward.

Why Liverpool Needed Quansah’s Revival

This resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time for Liverpool. With 10 games left in the Premier League, a trophy to fight for, and injuries mounting, the squad needed fresh energy. Quansah is providing just that.

His positional awareness, calmness in possession, and ability to make crucial interceptions are traits Liverpool will rely on in the run-in. At a time when consistency in defence is paramount, he offers stability and a willingness to step up when called upon.

Quansah was part of the ‘Klopp Kids’ that helped Liverpool win the Carabao Cup last season, coming on against Chelsea at Wembley. Now, under new management, he has a chance to prove he can be part of Slot’s long-term vision.

A year ago, he was an exciting young prospect. This weekend, he could become a Liverpool hero.