Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah has paid “condolences” to Joel Matip after he picked a major injury this month.
The 20-year-old has impressed heavily at centre back and he is being rewarded with regular game time by Jurgen Klopp. He has played in the Europa League regularly and also started the Premier League game against Crystal Palace last week.
Quansah started the game against Union Saint-Gilloise on Thursday afternoon in the Europa League and scored his first goal for the club. After the game, the youngster has said that “it’s a shame” that Matip has picked up an injury.
Klopp revealed earlier this month that Matip has picked up an ACL injury, and in all probability, he will miss the rest of the season.
“I guess at the start of the season when I stayed here and didn’t go out on loan I thought ‘I want to play in these games’,” Quansah said after the game.
“Obviously it’s a shame what happened to Joel and my condolences go with him, but my idea was to try to get over him… and try to be a starter in the Premier League.
“I’m just trying and hopefully more [opportunities] will come. I’m just trying to really push on and be the best centre-back I can be.”
Big opportunity
There is no doubt that the injury to Matip has opened the door for Quansah to play regularly and establish himself as a key player.
He is still very young and Jurgen Klopp will not look to put pressure on him. Matip also has a contract at the club until the end of the season, and in all probability, he will not be offered a new deal at the club.
It means Quansah can eventually replace him in the long run. Rhys Williams, 22, could be another option for Klopp, but he needs to prove his worth.
Having said that, Klopp will still look to sign a quality centre-back, either in January or in the summer, with Lille defender Leny Yoro being linked with a move.
