Liverpool may have fast-tracked new young star after bold Jurgen Klopp decision
Whatever occurs in the short term of Jarell Quansah's Liverpool career, nothing is likely to be as daunting as his introduction to Premier League life earlier this season.
Stood on the touchline awaiting final instructions from Jurgen Klopp, Pep Lijders and Peter Krawietz, the 20-year-old academy captain was braced to enter the field of fiery St James' Park buoyed by the backing of 50,000 home fans.
But fast forward to shortly after the full-time whistle had brought an end to another Premier League classic between Liverpool and Newcastle United and Quansah, who spent the second half of last season learning his trade with Bristol Rovers in League One, admitted he was perhaps all the better for not knowing about the surprise introduction his manager sprung on him in the closing stages of the Reds' 2-1 win.
Indeed, it would be one thing to make a debut in similar circumstances to that of Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark last year, with Liverpool cruising to a record-breaking 9-0 victory over Bournemouth. But in Quansah's case, there was no time for such sentiment as the Reds, reduced to 10 men after Virgil van Dijk's red card, were left with little hope with 13 minutes of normal time reaming as they trailed the Magpies after Anthony Gordon's first-half strike.
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That was until that inspired double substitution by Klopp, in which Darwin Nunez and Quansah entered the fray in place of Alexis Mac Allister and Joel Matip. Within four minutes, Liverpool found themselves level with a well-taken first goal of the afternoon by Nunez.
Just moments after his first
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