By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com
Arne Slot withdrawing Jarell Quansah simply 45 minutes into his first aggressive sport in command of Liverpool definitely felt like a present of intent, the brand new head coach making it clear the requirements he expects.
It was no Mourinho-style energy transfer, nevertheless, extra a marker of the attributes supporters have grown accustomed to with Slot within the 4 months since: the Dutchman is a straight-talker, a fierce competitor and, most significantly, a tactical pragmatist.
Put merely, he had noticed a flaw and addressed it. Quansah was no symbolic fall man, however Slot rapidly accepted that his efficiency that day at Portman Street may have left Liverpool undone.
“Our drawback within the first half was extra that we misplaced too many duels – our defenders misplaced too many and our attackers didn’t win sufficient,” he defined after an eventual 2-0 win over Ipswich on the opening day of the Premier League.
Slot added: “That’s not that Jarell misplaced each duel – many people misplaced too many duels – however I believe we wanted Ibou Konaté to win these lengthy balls within the air from the No. 9.”
Quansah gained 4 of his eight duels (50%) in his 45 minutes on the pitch, whereas Konaté gained 4 of 5 (80%) – the teen additionally conceded two fouls whereas his alternative gave away zero – which definitely acts as vindication for Slot’s resolution.
However restoring Konaté to the fold additionally allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold extra freedom to roam, realizing the centre-back’s capacity to cowl and defend over giant areas wouldn’t depart Liverpool as open because it maybe would with a participant of Quansah’s inexperience.
It was well timed, then, that forward of the return fixture as Ipswich go to Anfield on Saturday the pinnacle coach was requested, with no trace of pretence, whether or not Konaté may attain the heights of his centre-back companion Virgil van Dijk.
“Defensively, he’s of the best commonplace,” he enthused. “He’s quick, he’s sturdy, he wins duels within the air, over the bottom, he can cowl for his teammates as nicely if wanted, he can play one-vs-one with a number of house in his again.”
Quansah’s half-time exit served as a press release that, underneath new administration, the slate had been cleaned for each participant – for higher or worse – and the months since have definitely been humbling for the 21-year-old.
He has began simply seven of the next 32 video games, with solely two of these coming exterior of the home cups; a chastening night time at right-back as he struggled in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle within the Premier League and, on Tuesday, a first-ever begin within the Champions League.
That 2-1 victory over Lille was vital for Quansah, not solely as a milestone look, however having been restored to his pure position for a high-profile tie he lastly seemed snug in his boots once more.
“It isn’t simple when you find yourself not within the staff however you might want to do every part you possibly can for the staff. Maintain pushing,” he instructed reporters after a victory that each one however sealed prime spot within the Champions League’s new league part.
“I’m at all times my sport whether or not I play good or unhealthy. I’m not going to be the completed article but. I’m my harshest critic, I’ve at all times stated that. However whether or not I play good or unhealthy, I’ll criticise myself.
“After I play my greatest video games, that’s in all probability when I’ve been the harshest on myself.”
Quansah, who began 27 video games in a breakthrough season underneath Jürgen Klopp final day out, has used his day out of the beginning lineup to take inventory, and there has clearly been no subject together with his perspective.
That’s aided by Slot’s unwavering dedication to a participant who, regardless of dropping down his pecking order, nonetheless has a giant future underneath him at Liverpool.
Slot’s different three senior centre-backs – Van Dijk, Konaté and definitely Joe Gomez – can all communicate for a way formative battling by adversity may be within the profession of a younger footballer, and Quansah seems to have the mentality required to take action.
So whereas he might prolong his file of creating each matchday squad of the season as far as an unused substitute towards Ipswich, the go to of Liam Delap and Co. shouldn’t be a reminder of the defender’s failures.
Extra so it ought to act as a immediate for Quansah that, when his probability comes once more, he ought to be able to take it and run with it.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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