Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed that he believes Jarell Quansah can be the Reds' own Ben White - as he praised the youngster for his performance against Newcastle United.
A center-back by trade, the 21-year-old academy graduate was handed a starting berth for the trip to St James' Park as he filled in at right-back. The starlet has found game-time hard to come by so far this season, with this his first start in the league since the opening day versus Ipswich Town.
Tasked with keeping Toon forward Anthony Gordon at bay for the first 67 minutes of the clash, Quansah eventually was moved back to his familiar role at the heart of the back four. Five minutes previous to this, the former had put his side into the lead - slotting the ball home after speeding past the Reds youngster.
Despite a challenging evening in the North East for the Warrington-born prospect, Liverpool head coach Slot insisted that he was pleased with how his player fared. Now, the Dutchman compared Quansah's attributes in the right-back role to that of Arsenal's White.
In that case of the latter, he has developed into a full-back under the tutelage of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, despite previously being used primarily as a center-back. Making a comparison at a press conference before this weekend's Merseyside Derby, Slot said: "First of all Jarell played a good game, not everyone agrees with me from what I am told.
"But if you look back, you saw in 1-v-1s he had no problems, few times Gordon was involved, Jarell was not. If Bradley was available he attacks, overlaps but Jarell is different, a more Ben White style behind the ball, playing the lines instead of overlaps. If Conor or Trent play there's not much difference."
Liverpool's Jarell Quansah was used in an unfamiliar right-back role against Newcastle United
Liverpool's Jarell Quansah was used in an unfamiliar right-back role against Newcastle United (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
In addition to weighing up Quansah's qualities, the former Feyenoord coach provided some insight into his mindset ahead of the clash with local rivals Everton. Assessing the Toffees' threat from set-pieces, he said: "Everton aren't the only team who try to block keepers or the best headers.
"Five or six years ago, hardly anyone spoke about set-pieces and now everyone speaks about the importance of them and Everton definitely can but we have players who can score from them too. Big games, City, Arsenal, Chelsea...the main thing was set-pieces, so this is a part of this game too."
Slot also revealed that he has consulted his players over the best approach to take before coming up against Sean Dyche's outfit. He added: "As a manager you always lean on your players for your idea and plan but it always depends on the players if they are ready to work hard and play their best.
"People told me but I have to know their style, what we can expect and we need to be aggressive but in a smart way. Last season we went there, I watched it back yesterday, and half 30 mins I was surprised as Liverpool made 10 fouls and only one by Everton and we had the ball."