Liverpool youngster Jarrell Quansah has enjoyed a brilliant breakout season with the Reds but ex-Manchester City star Micah Richards believes it is too early for a call-up into the England squad
Micah Richards believes Jarrell Quansah would already be in the England squad had he not been playing alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant breakout campaign for Liverpool this season. He has made 26 appearances for the Reds this term – that coming after a campaign he spent on-loan with League One side Bristol Rovers.
His performances have earned plenty of praise from both in and outside of Anfield. Richards was asked if his displays are good enough to earn a spot in the England squad.
The ex-Man City man claimed that had he not been playing with Liverpool captain Van Dijk, he could potentially be in Gareth Southgate ’s thinking. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “He’s not played every single game and he probably wouldn’t be playing if other players were fit.
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“I think the factor of playing alongside [Virgil] Van Dijk has obviously helped him. If it were say Quansah and Gomez, and he was playing at the same level, I’d probably agree that [he should be in England contention].
“He has been outstanding for a young player, especially in the Man City game where they had [Conor] Bradley at right-back, and he was playing at centre-back. He really showed his maturity in that game. But in terms of England, I think it’s a little bit early for him.”
Quansah has already earned international recognition this season. After making his debut for the England under-21s in October, he has gone on to add a further three caps.
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Richards’ punditry colleague Alan Shearer was also full of praise for the Liverpool defender. He added: “I like him and I think he’s done really well. He struggled a bit in the first half [last weekend] when Brighton let him have a lot of the ball.
“But in the second-half, he more than grew into the game and was brilliant. He read it really, really well. Without a doubt, he’s got huge potential.
“To be thrown into the pressure cooker at Liverpool and the way it’s going at the minute, he’s obviously got a lot about him and he’s only going to get better.”
Quansah will be aiming to add to his impressive season before the end of the campaign. Liverpool have another nine Premier League games before the end of the season – starting with Thursday evening’s clash with Sheffield United at Anfield.
The Reds can also add another European trophy to their collection before the end of the campaign. Klopp’s side take on Italian side Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
