From a painful substitution to a call-up by Tuchel: Slot praises Liverpool defender

Arne Slot has spoken highly of Jarell Quansah ahead of Liverpool’s League Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, March 16, at 17:30 CET.

The English defender received a call-up on Friday from newly appointed national team coach Thomas Tuchel, marking another step in his growing reputation. The recognition comes despite a challenging start to the season, where Slot made the controversial decision to substitute him in his Premier League debut, an event that initially cast doubt on his role in the team.

During the opening match of the Premier League season, Slot removed Quansah at halftime in Liverpool’s game against Ipswich Town. The decision sparked significant debate in England, particularly because Slot, still new to English football, was unusually direct in explaining why he had made the substitution. While most managers tend to shield young players from public criticism, Slot took a different approach, openly stating that Quansah had struggled in the first half. His remarks raised eyebrows, as such blunt assessments are rare in English football, especially concerning a young defender making his debut for one of the league’s biggest clubs. For Quansah, the situation was undoubtedly a tough moment, as he suddenly found himself under intense scrutiny in the national media.

In the following months, it appeared that Quansah had fallen down the pecking order. Slot used him sparingly in both the Premier League and Champions League, opting for more experienced defensive options such as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. The young defender had to remain patient and work hard behind the scenes while waiting for another opportunity to prove himself. However, his fortunes gradually changed as injuries and squad rotation gave him more chances to feature. He capitalized on those opportunities and worked his way back into contention, showcasing his resilience and adaptability in Slot’s tactical system.

Now, with 21 appearances across all competitions this season, Quansah has proven that he has the ability to compete at the highest level. His performances have improved significantly, and he has shown maturity beyond his years, which has not gone unnoticed by those inside and outside the club. His steady development has now earned him another England call-up, as Tuchel recognized his potential and included him in the latest national squad. This marks the second time Quansah has been selected for England, having previously received a call-up in November under interim manager Lee Carsley. Now, under Tuchel’s management, he has another opportunity to make an impression at the international level, which could be crucial for his long-term future.

Liverpool will be hoping that Quansah continues his upward trajectory as they prepare for the final against Newcastle, a crucial match in their pursuit of silverware. The final presents a huge opportunity for the 22-year-old to further cement his place in the squad. With both Slot and Tuchel placing their trust in him, the young defender could play an increasingly important role for both club and country in the months ahead.

Slot spoke glowingly about Quansah during his press conference on Friday, highlighting the player’s mentality and growth. "That says a lot about his mentality. I substituted him against Ipswich, and Virgil (van Dijk) and Ibou (Konaté) are such a strong combination. But every time he plays, everyone can see that he is a real talent. He has had a few setbacks, but recently he has shown that he has outgrown the status of a talent. Tuchel has seen that as well."

Slot’s comments indicate that Quansah has developed beyond simply being a promising youngster he is now viewed as a reliable squad member who can step up when needed. The Dutch coach has placed significant emphasis on Quansah’s ability to learn from setbacks and improve, something that is essential for any young defender playing at the highest level.

One of the most notable aspects of Quansah’s development has been his versatility. In recent weeks, Slot has used him as a right-back on several occasions, and according to the manager, he has adapted well to the position. "He is strong, fast, and comfortable on the ball, and he is also a threat from set-pieces," Slot noted. This ability to play multiple positions adds another dimension to Quansah’s game and increases his value within the squad. In a modern football environment where adaptability is crucial, being able to operate as both a center-back and right-back gives him an edge over many other young defenders.

Slot also pointed out that Quansah has made significant mental progress since that difficult moment against Ipswich. "He has now learned that he is capable of fighting his way back when people are not being positive about him," the Liverpool manager said. This highlights one of the most critical aspects of player development resilience. Many young players struggle to recover from setbacks early in their careers, but Quansah has demonstrated the ability to take criticism in stride and use it as motivation to improve.

The criticism that followed his substitution against Ipswich was something new for Quansah, as he had never been in the spotlight to such an extent before. Slot acknowledged that his own approach may have contributed to the reaction. "I think people weren’t used to me being so clear about what I saw. That led to a situation where he received more criticism than usual," the Dutchman explained. Slot’s blunt and honest approach was a stark contrast to the more measured public statements that are typically made by Premier League managers. While his comments may have seemed harsh at the time, they now appear to have played a role in shaping Quansah’s mental toughness.

"Mentally, that might have been an important moment for him," Slot added. "A young player has to go through something like that at some point. A career doesn’t just progress in a straight line." His words reflect a common truth in football setbacks and challenges are often necessary for a player to reach their full potential. Many of the game’s greatest defenders, from Sergio Ramos to Virgil van Dijk, faced adversity early in their careers before emerging stronger.

Now, with his first full season as a first-team player well underway, Quansah has the chance to continue proving himself on the biggest stage. His recent resurgence is a testament to his work ethic and ability to learn from mistakes, and with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, he will likely have more opportunities to showcase his talent.

The upcoming League Cup final against Newcastle is yet another stage where Quansah can demonstrate his ability. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, his inclusion in the squad itself is proof of how far he has come since the beginning of the season. With Thomas Tuchel now watching him closely at the national team level, the 22-year-old could soon find himself playing a more prominent role in England’s future defensive plans.

As Liverpool chase silverware and Quansah continues his development, his story serves as an example of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of seizing opportunities. What began as a painful start to the season has now turned into a journey of redemption, and if he maintains his upward trajectory, the young defender could soon establish himself as a key figure for both club and country.