Jarell Quansah has firmly established himself as a favourite under England boss Thomas Tuchel, but the defender claims that a tricky decision to leave Liverpool led to his World Cup spot. The 23-year-old quit Liverpool to join Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m move to secure more regular game time and boost his England chances.
That decision has reaped rich rewards, with Quansah featuring regularly in the Champions League and earning a place on the plane to the United States for the World Cup. Although he grew up at Liverpool, Quansah is now thriving in Germany, going from strength to strength as a defender.
A Tough Decision Pays Off
Speaking about his move, Quansah said: “Last summer it was a really tough decision to be honest, to walk away from my boyhood club — a club I’ve been at all my life. But I just knew it was the best thing that I needed for my career, to be playing week in week out.
“People who know me know I back myself no matter what and I feel like I’m capable of playing at the highest level and I wanted to show that this season. To be rewarded being selected for the World Cup is an absolute honour and it's all down to hard work and I've put in over the past 12 months.”
Versatility and Experience
Quansah has become a firm favourite of Tuchel because of his regular playing time, strong performances in the Champions League, and versatility. He can play across the back line, excelling at both right back and centre half. However, Quansah insists he is not better simply because he left Liverpool, but rather because he is gaining invaluable experience.
He explained: “Yeah, I don't really look at it like that, to be honest. I'm just working hard every day, working hard each game. I feel like with every game I play, I’m getting better. I'm only young, so as long as I keep my head down, I keep grafting away, I know I’m going to be in a good place, and it's just sticking to what I know and sticking to the goals that I've set myself, and hopefully I can achieve everything I want.
“It was massive for me playing in the Champions League. We played top teams in England and we played well, so it was always good to play well in those games and you can never take those nights for granted, they're so special. Unfortunately, we won't be doing that next season, but there's always opportunities in another environment to show yourself. But like I say, I just need games. I needed experience and I still need games and experience to keep going.”
World Cup Role and Tuchel's Faith
Quansah is likely the next in line at right back and offers a different option at centre back, ensuring he will see minutes at the World Cup. He played in both friendly games against New Zealand and Costa Rica, and is willing to do a job across the back. He added: “I think you can say that throughout my career, I’ve sort of drifted along the back line, and whether it be left or right centre back, or right back, I'm comfortable playing all of them, to be honest, especially this past year, although it's back three for Leverkusen I’m often in right back positions.
“I’m still getting used to it a little bit but I feel like I’m getting better every time I play there. I’ve probably only had a handful of games at right back so I’m getting used to it, but I think I’m getting better.”
Tuchel watched Quansah at the Euros with the under-21s and immediately promoted him. Now, Quansah can feel the level improve with each session. He said: “We're always pushing each other and trying to give ourselves the best opportunity to win each game. We kept a clean sheet through all of qualifying so it’s obviously a good defensive part to be part of, and I’m happy to be a part of it.
“I think he saw what I'm like at the U21s, because he watched me before, in training sessions and he's watched me throughout the year. So there's nothing in particular, just sort of keep doing what you're doing, which is a massive compliment.”
