Jarell Quansah has revealed how he is handling a ‘tough’ season at Liverpool.
Quansah began the current campaign as Arne Slot’s second-choice option in central defence but has struggled for opportunities with just eight starts.
The academy graduate currently finds himself on the periphery with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez all ahead of him in the pecking order.
It marks a sea change from last season’s first-team breakthrough where he made 33 appearances and earned a provisional England squad call-up.
After making his Champions League debut in the win over Lille, Quansah is determined to stay upbeat in the hopes of a more regular run down the line.
He said: “I’m not going to sit here and say it’s easy.
“It’s always tough. But it’s all about how you prepare, just trying to put yourself in the best frame of mind and physical condition that you can.
“It’s not easy when you’re not in the team but you need to do everything you can for the team when you’re in it. That’s the role I’m in at the minute and just try to keep pushing.
“I haven’t changed anything. I’m always looking at my game, not just when I play good or bad. I’m not going to be the finished article yet.
“I’m my harshest critic, I’ve always said that. But whether I play good or bad, I will criticise myself.
“When I play my best games, that is probably when I’ve been the harshest on myself.”
The 21-year-old also believes that the increased competition in the defensive ranks doubles as a learning curve as he looks to improve his all-round game.
“If I take a little bit of their games, it will put me in a great position,” admitted Quansah.
“I have the belief I am able to do that as well. As well as their qualities and abilities on the pitch, for me it is off the pitch as well.
“They keep me hungry and want to keep pushing for whatever it may be. I am happy they are willing to invest time in me as well.”