Jarell Quansah has firmlty established himself as a favourite under England boss Thomas Tuchel but claims that a tricky decision to leave Liverpool as led to his World Cup spot
Jarell Quansah admits he had to take a “really tough decision” to get himself to the World Cup. Quansah, 23, quit Liverpool to join Bayer Leverkusen in a £35m move to get more regular game time to boost his England chances.
It has reaped rich rewards because Quansah got regular games in the Champions League and a place on the plane to the United States. Quansah grew up at Liverpool but is now enjoying life in Germany where he is going from strength to strength as a defender.
England defender 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.”
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Quansah is a firm Thomas Tuchel favourite because he is now playing regularly, excelled in the Champions League and also has a versatility.
He can play in different positions across the black line and has looked an accomplished defender who can play right back and at centre half. But Quansah is at pains to say he is not better because he left Liverpool but more because he is just gaining experience.
Quansah said: “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.”
Quansah is probably the next in line at right back, a different option at centre back and is certain to see minutes at this World Cup. That is why he has definitely benefitted from playing across different positions in defence while he is also enjoying the experience of being with England at the World Cup.
Quansah played in both friendly games with New Zealand and also Costa Rica and says he 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.”
England boss Tuchel watched Quansah at the Euros with the under-21s and immediately promoted him. This time, he 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.”