Jarell Quansah was the breakout star of Jurgen Klopp’s final season with Liverpool.
Having been at the club since the age of six, Quansah made his first senior appearance for the Reds back in August.
Ever since then, the 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength. In some ways it was fitting that Quansah was the man to get the final goal of Klopp’s reign. It was his season.
The centre-back’s rise to stardom culminated in a call-up to England’s pre-Euro 2024 training camp this week. He may yet get cut from the final squad, but for Quansah to make the 33-man list is an achievement in itself.
Having come through the youth team ranks, it’s unsurprising to hear the the Liverpool academy staff are incredibly proud of Quansah. And according to journalist Theo Squires, they think they know who would be the youngster’s ideal centre-back partner.
Liverpool think Jarrad Branthwaite could partner Jarell Quansah
Getting an England call-up was no less than Quansah deserved this summer. He has really shone in the final weeks of the campaign especially.
But there is stiff competition to earn a spot in the final squad. The Liverpool man is one of eight centre-backs Gareth Southgate has named.
Another of those is Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. Like Quansah, Branthwaite is just 21 and has enjoyed a breakout season in the Everton first-team.
His good performances have inevitably led to interest in Branthwaite, although The i have this week claimed that the Toffees will be looking for at least £80m to sell the 21-year-old.
Obviously, Everton’s status as Liverpool’s city rivals makes a possible move to Anfield a no-go anyway. But speaking on the Blood Red podcast, reporter Squires says some staff at the Reds academy think Branthwaite would perfectly complement Quansah.
“I was down at the academy on Thursday, doing some bits and bobs with people working there,” says the journalist. “And they were saying that they could easily envisage England’s centre-back pairing being Branthwaite and Quansah in the coming years because they complement each other so well.”
Jarell Quansah ready for new contract
A few eyebrows might have been raised from rival fans about Quansah being included in Southgate’s squad, but Liverpool fans won’t have been surprised.
The former U21 international looks primed to kick on further under Arne Slot, too.
With that in mind, there have been claims that Liverpool are preparing a new contract for Quansah. After the year he’s had, that shouldn’t be a surprise either.
It remains to be seen exactly the role he takes on with Slot coming in. As Liverpool looking to sign a new centre-back, it feels unlikely that Quansah will be an immediate starter. But his future is bright.
As for Branthwaite, he would look like an excellent long-term partner for Jarell in the national team. Left-footed, young and clearly a big talent, it’s just a shame he’s out of Liverpool’s reach, too.