News'You can't go much wrong by listening to Virgil!'

Centre-back Quansah is now on 25 appearances in 2023-24 having made his senior debut for the club as a substitute away at Newcastle United last August.

Praise for the England U21 international’s composed performances at a higher level has been widespread, including comparisons to the style of the Reds captain.

Quansah takes such suggestions as ‘a massive compliment’ and explained how he is trying to learn everything he can from playing alongside Van Dijk.

“I think what he has been doing over the past five or 10 years has been unrivalled, especially in the Premier League,” said Quansah.

“He’s had flawless seasons, he’s been a vital part of what Liverpool’s identity has been. So to play next to him is so good and I can learn so much from him.

“There’s times where he’s constructive and just says it how it is and tells me what I need to improve on, and there’s times where, especially on the pitch because the crowd’s loud, he needs to shout and make examples in different ways.

“You can’t go much wrong if you just listen to what he’s saying! He’s always in your ear, always talking, which is so helpful.”

Reflecting on a season that has also seen Quansah help Liverpool lift the Carabao Cup, the No.78 continued: “It’s been a lot of games, a surprise from what I expected really – it’s exceeded all expectations, to say the least.

“I probably haven’t had a ‘pinch myself’ moment – I think for me it’s just all about playing football, and it’s what I’ve been doing since I was five.

“Although the level has increased, it’s just what I’ve been doing and what I enjoy. I’ve been striving for it and waiting for the opportunity and I’m thankful it’s come.

“When you’re younger you have all these aspirations, sometimes stupid aspirations of being the best player in the world.

“I think just being able to be in the position I’m in at the minute and learn from some of the best managers and players in the world hopefully puts me in good stead for the future. That is the goal, to be a starting centre-back for Liverpool and be in contention for England.

“I’m just learning the whole time. Hopefully in the summer I’ll get that moment where I’ll be like, ‘It’s been a good year-and-a-half’.

“But I’m not the finished product. I’m not really reflecting on my career and thinking how good I’ve been because I can be so much better.”