Jurgen Klopp makes Jarell Quansah opinion clear with "Virgil 2.0" comment

Jurgen Klopp has labelled young Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah "Virgil 2.0" as the 20-year-old continues to impress at Anfield.

Quansah was largely considered an emergency option before the season began, sitting firmly behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in the pecking order.

Having spent the second half of last season on loan at League One Bristol Rovers, it would have been unfair to expect too much from the defender given his inexperience.

However, Quansah's mightily impressive pre-season performances caught the eye and he has emerged as genuine option in the heart of defence for Liverpool.

Quansah has made nine first-team appearances this season, including four in the Premier League. Five of his outings have been starts and the starlet was unfortunate not to grab his first Liverpool goal with a stoppage-time equaliser against Toulouse in the Europa League - Quansah's goal incorrectly ruled out for a handball in the build-up.

Klopp has been quick to praise Quansah's performances this season, but his new nickname for the Liverpool academy product has let slip just how impressed he has been by the centre-back.

In an impromptu clip with Sky Sports' Vinny O'Connor, Klopp labelled Quansah "Virgil 2.0" after the journalist had praised the performance of Liverpool's youngsters during the England U21s' 3-0 win over Northern Ireland during the international break.

"Jarell…Virgil 2.0, reloaded. Yeah, he’s good," Klopp said to O'Connor.

Quansah kept a clean sheet in the England U21s' victory, while also exhibiting an eye-catching array of passing and his comfort stepping out from the back. It was an assured display at Goodison Park from the 20-year-old.

Hopefully, with Van Dijk back to his imperious best in a red shirt, Quansah will learn the tricks of the trade from Liverpool's captain. If he can develop into half the player Van Dijk has been on Merseyside, he will enjoy a fine career.

Quansah was not the only Liverpool player to dazzle the crowd across Stanley Park. Tyler Morton, who is currently on loan at Hull City, earned his first England U21s call-up and repaid Lee Carsley's faith with a goal against Northern Ireland.

Harvey Elliot also grabbed a brace, adding to the goal he had scored against Serbia days earlier, one of which was a delightful chip following Morton's exquisite through ball.