Jarrell Quansah has cemented his status as a favorite under England manager Thomas Tuchel but insists his difficult decision to leave Liverpool cost him a World Cup place.
Jarel Quansah has established himself in the England squad (Image: Getty Images)
Jarrell Quansah admitted he had to make a “really difficult decision” to qualify for the World Cup. Quansah, 23, left Liverpool to join Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million in a bid to increase his playing time in order to improve his chances in England.
Quansah benefited handsomely as he qualified for regular Champions League matches and a flight to the United States. Quansah grew up in Liverpool but is now enjoying life in Germany, where he is going from strength to strength as a defender.
England defender Quansah said: “It was a really difficult decision to leave my boyhood club last summer, the club I’ve been with all my life, to be honest. But I knew that playing every week was the best thing I needed for my career.”
“Those who know me know that I will support you no matter what and I feel that I have the ability to play at the highest level and I wanted to show that this season.
“It’s an absolute honour, to be rewarded with being included in the World Cup squad, and it’s all down to the hard work I’ve put in over the past 12 months.”
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Quansah is currently playing regularly, has excelled in the Champions League, and his versatility has made him a firm favorite of manager Thomas Tuchel.
He could play in a variety of positions across the black line and looked like a skilled defender who could play at right-back or centre-half. However, Quansah is distressed that he has not improved since leaving Liverpool, only gained experience.
“Well, to be honest, I don’t really think about it that way. I just work hard every day and every game,” Quansah said.
“Every time I play, I feel like I’m getting better. I’m still young, so as long as I keep my head down, I just keep grafting and I know I’ll be in a good position. I just have to stick to what I know and stick to the goals I set for myself. I hope I can achieve everything I want.”
“Playing in the Champions League was huge for me. We played against a top team in England and played well, so it’s always good to play well in that game and I can never take that night for granted. It was very special.”
Jarrell Quansah started both of England’s pre-World Cup friendlies (Image: Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, I won’t be doing that next season, but there’s always a chance to prove myself in a different environment. But like I said, all I need are games. I needed experience, and I need games and experience to keep going.”
Quansah is probably next in line at right-back and another option at centre-back and is certain to feature at this World Cup. That’s why he’s definitely benefited from playing in different positions in defence, while also enjoying the experience of playing for England at the World Cup.
Quansah played in both the friendly against New Zealand and against Costa Rica and said he was willing to work at the back. Furthermore, he added: “I would say that throughout my career I have kind of drifted along the finish line, whether it’s left or right centre-back or right-back.
“To be honest, I feel comfortable playing in any team. Especially in the past year, I often play in the right-back position, although I play in a back three at Leverkusen.
Quansah plays for Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty Images)
“I’m still getting used to it, but I feel like I’m getting better every time I play there. I’ve probably only played a few games at right-back, so I’m getting used to it, but I think I’m getting better.”
England manager Tuchel watched Quansar at the Euros with his Under-21 side and promoted him immediately. This time, he feels that his level has improved with each round.
“We’re always pushing each other and trying to give ourselves the best opportunity to win each game. We’ve kept a clean sheet throughout qualifying, so it’s obviously good to be involved defensively and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
“I think he understood what I was like in the Under-21s because he had seen me in training sessions before and he had seen me all year. So nothing special, he just kept doing what he was doing. That’s a big compliment.”
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