Jarell Quansah says leaving Liverpool secured England World Cup spot
Jarell Quansah believes his £35m transfer from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen last summer was crucial in securing his place in England’s World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old departed his boyhood club in search of regular first-team football.
His impressive performances in the Champions League for the German side have clearly caught the eye of national team manager Thomas Tuchel.
A difficult departure
Stepping away from Anfield was not a choice the young centre-half took lightly.
“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.”
The versatile defender has now established himself as a key figure in Tuchel’s plans ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Gaining vital European experience
Leaving the Premier League giants allowed the former Reds academy graduate to test himself regularly against the continent’s elite.
“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.”
His ability to seamlessly operate at both right-back and in the heart of defence provides invaluable flexibility for the Three Lions.
Backing himself on the biggest stage
Despite the inherent risks of moving abroad, the English prospect never doubted his own potential.
“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 I’ve put in over the past 12 months.”
He insists his rapid development stems purely from consistent minutes on the pitch rather than a simple change of scenery.
“I feel like with every game I play, I’m getting better.”
