Liverpool supporters have plenty to look forward to during this summer’s European Championship.
International tournaments are obviously not highest on the list of Liverpool’s priorities as they beckon in a period of change.
Arne Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp is much bigger news on Merseyside, and fans will have a close eye on matters in the transfer window.
Nevertheless, there have been a dozen members of the Liverpool squad called up for their various countries. There’s a decent bet one or more of them might end up winning it.
As a result, the tournament in Germany will be worth watching for those of a Reds persuasion. There could even be one of their ‘amazing’ academy starlets on show.
Gareth Southgate hails Jarell Quansah impact
It was a really good season for Liverpool’s academy. With Klopp giving so many youngsters a chance, the future looks really bright at Anfield.
Although the likes of Conor Bradley and Bobby Clark did really well though, there was a clear winner in terms of Liverpool’s breakout star of the campaign.
International call-ups are nothing new to Bradley, who already has 15 caps for Northern Ireland. But with the greatest of respect to Michael O’Neil’s side, they’re a little harder to come by for England.
That’s why when Jarell Quansah was summoned to take part in England’s pre-Euros training camp, it really was a big deal. Quansah has had a supreme season and his call-up by Gareth Southgate was well deserved.
The likelihood is that the 21-year-old will be chopped out of Southgate’s final squad. But speaking to England’s official YouTube channel on Wednesday, the Three Lions boss outlined why he’s been so impressed with Quansah.
“Jarrell had a super season for Liverpool,” gushed Southgate. “You have only got to see the games which his manager picked him for, he was in the team and a couple of other high profile players weren’t in that position.
“That was a sign of how well Jurgen thought he was doing. He has had an amazing transition this season from a loan spell further down the leagues, and adapted to life in the Premier League well. He has some great attributes as a centre-back so we are looking forward to seeing him.”
Liverpool staff identify ideal partner for Jarell Quansah
The difference in Quansah’s situation from 12 months ago to the present day is quite astounding.
A year back, the defender was just finishing up a half-season loan with League One club Bristol Rovers.
Fast forward, and Quansah has just now played 33 times for Liverpool, is a Carabao Cup winner and has been called up by his country for a major tournament.
The craziest thing of all though, is that Quansah has completely earned it. At no point has he looked out of his depth at Liverpool. He’s the future of the Reds defence.
And as Liverpool search for a new centre-back this summer, it’s interesting to note that staff at the AXA Training Centre have reportedly picked out an ideal partner for Quansah.
Unfortunately, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is pretty certain to be unobtainable for Liverpool. If he weren’t though, he and Quansah could dominate for years. Perhaps they will for England instead.