25 January 2024 , 06:55
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Jurgen Klopp ruled Liverpool were not living in "wonderland" when quizzed on the potential arrival of another central defender as cover for Joel Matip following his disastrous ACL rupture in December.
The German snapped at Kirkby before Christmas: “After eight years, I still just never understand this. You always talk about transfers like it would be the easiest thing in the world.
“Just bringing in a player, finding the money for it – as if we have endless money – we always talk about it. I really don’t understand it. They all cost money, it must be the right player. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top, top centre-half."
Long-term, another centre-back is undoubtedly desired if Liverpool are to continue challenging for the biggest prizes. But Klopp was right. Clinical and influential winter buys are hard to come by in January, which is a notoriously difficult market to conduct astute business.
And the club's firm transfer stance has since brought the best from 20-year-old rookie Jarell Quansah, who has excelled alongside the calming presence of talismanic skipper Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's backline.
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Quansah is already of great value and looks ready-made - both physically and technically - for the Premier League. He dazzled once again at Craven Cottage as Liverpool booked their place in yet another Wembley final following a 1-1 draw with Marco Silva's spirited Fulham, who just ran out of steam despite a valiant late fightback.
Marauding right-back Conor Bradley also caught the eye with his tough tackling, deft, intelligent touches and his infectious enthusiasm to attack on Wednesday evening as he continues to flourish in the absence of the soon-returning Trent Alexander-Arnold. It is also worth noting that 18-year-old substitute Bobby Clarke was also thrown into the mix as Fulham went in search of a catastrophic leveller. That is a huge show of trust.
The great significance of it all is that instead of bemoaning Liverpool's stark lack of transfer activity - Klopp has utilised his academy and found internal solutions from within to ensure his side continue firing on all cylinders amid injury problems and fears of burnout.
Conor Bradley had another solid night for Liverpool at right-back (Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)Liverpool remain in the hunt for four major trophies and currently sit top of the pile in the Premier League. They also now have a Carabao Cup final on the horizon against Chelsea in late February and you would not want to bet against them as they continue to grind out results at will.
Considering they looked doomed and destined to capitulate following a drastic midfield clear-out last summer, Liverpool's exciting transition is reflective of Klopp's genius.
Not only are the Reds challenging on all fronts but they're rewarding young players with frequent opportunities which is a rarity in the modern era - when clubs have become obsessed with big-money deals and excessive spending.
One week after Klopp poured cold water on the prospect of new January arrivals, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt he couldn't afford to offer several of his academy starlets minutes in a Champions League group-stage dead-rubber at PSV Eindhoven, having already wrapped up top-spot.
Ethan Nwaneri, Lino Sousa and Reuell Walters all travelled but were unused substitutes in Holland. That is seemingly harsh, given there was zero at stake, particularly when you consider Liverpool's emphatic 4-0 win at Bournemouth last Sunday was the fourth time they've fielded six players aged 21 or younger in a league match in their illustrious history. It was also the first time it had happened since April 1965 when they faced Wolves nearly 60 years ago.