Less than three years ago, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley were teammates representing Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup final. Today, the young duo has set their sights on an even greater achievement.
Both Quansah and Bradley started in Liverpool’s League Cup semi-final second leg against Fulham, securing a 1-1 draw that resulted in a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the final against Chelsea at Wembley next month. This milestone marks a significant step in the progress of the 20-year-old pair, who have begun to fulfill their potential this season under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.
Quansah, playing alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in central defense, made only his 12th start since breаking into the senior squad in August. Meanwhile, Bradley has proven to be a capable deputy for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, overcoming an ιnjury that kept him out for much of the first half of the campaign.
Quansah acknowledges the influence of playing alongside Van Dijk, stating, “Virgil has been one of the best center-backs in the world for the last five or ten years, in my opinion. Having him beside you, guiding you through the game, benefits us all. Especially considering that we had an inexperienced right-hand side, some might sаy. But Conor and I have played together for a long time, so we understand each other’s game quite well. Being able to transfer that understanding from our Youth Cup days to the senior level is a great achievement for us.”
Reaching the final is a dream come true for Quansah, who expresses his excitement, saying, “When you start off as a young footballer, reaching finals is where you want to be. You imagine it, but to actually experience it is incredible. Seeing Conor grow as a person and a player has been fantastic.”
Quansah was chosen over Ibrahima Konate for the crucial moments in the match against Fulham, with the young defender likely to have another opportunity to impress in the FA Cup fourth-round fixture against Norwich City.
With strong competition for places, Quansah understands the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes his way and maintaining his form. He remarks, “There’s a lot of competition, and everyone wants to start in the final. So it’s about making the most of every chance. With many games ahead, I’ll give my best and aim to find my rhythm and form.”
Quansah and Bradley have benefited from Klopp’s willingness to give young players opportunities, as several Academy graduates have seen minutes on the field this season. The trust placed in them by the manager has boosted their confidence.
Bradley reflects on the faith shown in him, stating, “To be in a cup semi-final for Liverpool, my dream club, and have the manager trust me to play alongside Jarell as young players is incredible.”
Klopp praises the young players, highlighting their abilities and mentioning other talented individuals waiting for their chance. He affirms, “They play to their skillset. They are two really good boys, and we also have Bobby Clark, who looks like a man now. He is really, really young! We had Trey, James, and Owen on the bench. They all have incredible talents, and we have seen in recent weeks that they are ready.”
Bradley has already experienced playing at Wembley, having won the EFL Trophy during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season. He recognizes the character-building moments and the resilience of the new-look Liverpool team, stating, “Going through challenging spells and coming out of them to secure a place in the final helps build character. We’re a new team with many new players, and reaching the final is a great achievement. We’re eagerly looking forward to it.”
Bradley emphasizes Liverpool’s ambition to win all competitions they are involved in this season, with four trophies up for grabs. Their journey to the final is just the beginning, and they remain determined to continue their winning form.