Jarell Quansah notes that Virgil van Dijk performs actions during Liverpool games that he has never encountered before.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has only played 45 minutes in the team’s first three league matches.

Slot made the surprising choice to substitute Quansah at halftime in the season opener against Ipswich Town, believing that Quansah was not winning his duels effectively.

Since that game, Ibrahima Konate has partnered with Virgil van Dijk throughout the matches, which has been a tough situation for the 21-year-old Quansah.

Nevertheless, with a long season ahead and Liverpool not acquiring a new centre-back this summer, Quansah will have opportunities to play.

Liverpool sold Sepp van den Berg this summer but opted to retain Joe Gomez, providing adequate cover for Slot as he looks to reshape his defense.

Although Gomez was rumored to leave Liverpool, he will stay with the team at least until January.

In an interview with *The Times*, Quansah candidly discussed his limited appearances since the Ipswich game and the positive impact of captain Virgil van Dijk on his development.

Quansah remarked on the significant progress he’s made recently, attributing much of his improvement to the support of his teammates and coaches, especially Van Dijk.

Quansah said: “You can probably see from the outside how much I’ve developed over the past year. It’s not just down to me, it’s down to the people around me — it’s the coaches, it’s the players.

“Virgil, the way he talks you through the game, I’ve never heard anyone like it.

“We’re always going to be pushing each other, and that’s another positive. I’m hopefully pushing them and they’re pushing me too.”

The contract situations of Liverpool’s top stars, including Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Mohamed Salah, remain unresolved, adding to the club’s concerns.

Steve McManaman recently provided an update on these contract issues, which likely causes stress for everyone associated with Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold performed impressively for England against Ireland, rebounding well from his placement in his preferred right-back position by Lee Carsley.

As time progresses, Liverpool fans will be eagerly awaiting a resolution to these contract matters.