As much attention as Liverpool’s midfield has rightfully received, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the Reds’ defense isn’t in great form either. As Jürgen Klopp attempts to construct a new era at Anfield, it remains to be seen how much of the club’s defensive core will be retained in the coming years.
Certainly, Jol Matip is the least likely to be included in that long-term strategy. With the Cameroonian international growing no younger and only a year left on his contract, his future is uncertain.
Matip hasn’t been in the same shape he was a few years ago. Even at various times last season, it was clear that his speed had slowed due to the ravages of time. That was evident in Liverpool’s last friendly against Greuther Fürth, with Matip playing a key role in the Reds conceding three goals in the second half.
He wasn’t by himself. Fellow defender Joe Gomez also struggled on the field, and that performance, combined with their form last season, will cause some anxiety.
Jarell Quansah, who outperformed both of them on the night and has looked pretty assured in Liverpool’s pre-season campaign thus far, will be the unusual silver lining.
Quansah hasn’t really put a foot wrong in Liverpool colors thus far. He was regarded as one of the top prospects to watch heading into the season, and he has not disappointed.
According to Wyscout, the England U20 international has won six of his seven attempted defensive duels, making six interceptions and 14 recoveries.
But his talent on the ball has been possibly the most outstanding feature of his game thus far. Quansah has appeared to be in command. He completed 76 of 78 attempted passes, with a 10/10 completion percentage into the final third, and 20 of his 21 forward passes were also completed.
Interestingly, Quansah is the only Liverpool center-back during pre-season who has recorded more than one critical pass, with Quansah recording two in his two 45-minute stints thus far.
He is only 20 years old, and he still has a lot of room to grow. However, he is definitely benefiting from Liverpool’s defensive stalemate and capitalizing on his opportunity. He needs to grow further before making the step-up to the club’s first squad, but these pre-season flashes could have shown an interesting future potential for Liverpool.
What happens next will be fascinating. Quansah could benefit from staying at least until January to try his luck in more tough League Cup or Europa League games, or he could profit from another loan spell away from the club to build on his success at Bristol Rovers last season.
However, there is certainly talent to be developed further in the coming seasons.
