Jarell Quansah reveals 2021 experience that helped prepare him for first-team

Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah has reflected on his breakthrough into the Reds' first team this season.

The young defender discussed the feeling of making his first-team debut earlier this season and revealed the previous experience that have helped prepare him for life as a Premier League player.

The Warrington-born centre back has been with the Reds academy since the age of five, making a first senior appearance for his boyhood club as a substitute in the comeback win over Newcastle earlier this season.

The 20-year-old, who spent part of 2022/23 on loan at Bristol Rovers, has since had six outings for Liverpool in all competitions and looks to be a top prospect for the future.

READ MORE: Is Jarell Quansah a better option for Liverpool at left back than Kostas Tsimikas?

Discussing what it was like to make his debut at St James Park, Quansah told Liverpoolfc.com: "It’s crazy, you can’t put it into words really. It’s just an overwhelming feeling for my family of a lot of proud people, a lot of people that have seen me from when I was very young, took me to training on half-days, put in extra hours for me. So, just being able to pay my family with all that sort of love and what they have done for me was probably the best feeling. After making my debut, that was the best feeling that I could enjoy myself."

Quansah first made the matchday squad for Liverpool back in 2021 during an injury crisis for Jurgen Klopp's side ahead of an away trip to Tottenham. The young defender admitted he was 'nowhere near' ready for the challenges of first-team football back then, but learned from his experiences of being on the bench.

He said: "At that period you think yourself you’re ready, but looking back, I was nowhere near where I needed to be. So if I would have got on then it maybe would have been a different story.

"That’s just speaking from [that] I think I’ve matured over the last couple of years. So, sitting on the bench then was definitely an opportunity to just take it in, soak everything in. I was on the bench for Spurs away and obviously that stadium, when it gets loud it gets loud. I’d say that definitely helped me so much."

Quansah, who was speaking ahead of Liverpool's trip to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup last 16, is expected to play a big role in the Reds' cup fixtures this year.

READ MORE: Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match Preview

Reflecting on the value of those competitions, he said: "It has been shown to be a good opportunity for the younger lads. For myself, it’s definitely one to try to take."

Elsewhere in the interview, he added: “I was in the stands [for the 2022 Carabao Cup final]. Great atmosphere, we were right next to the Liverpool end, the younger lads were there.

“Obviously you were just so buzzing for the team and to help participate in that meant a lot to me as well.”