The recent substitution of Jarell Quansah at half time during Liverpool’s game against Ipswich has raised questions among fans and pundits alike. The 21-year-old defender had been selected ahead of Ibrahima Konate in the starting XI, thanks to his impressive performance during the pre-season.
However, Quansah did not reappear on the pitch after the half-time break, with Konate taking his place next to Virgil van Dijk. This unexpected substitution caught the attention of viewers, as Konate had been warming up on the touchline even before the first 45 minutes had concluded. Meanwhile, Quansah was seen looking disappointed on the bench.
Manager Arne Slot shed some light on the decision, explaining that it was a tactical change. He highlighted the team’s struggle to win duels in the first half, emphasizing the need for Konate’s ability to win aerial battles against the opposition’s striker. Slot stated that while Quansah didn’t necessarily lose every duel, many players on the team were not performing well in that aspect.
FotMob’s data reveals that Quansah won half of his eight duels in the game, including two successful aerial duels out of four attempts. On the other hand, Konate managed to win three out of four aerial duels during his time on the pitch. These statistics support Slot’s decision to bring in Konate for his physicality and dominance in the air.
Slot also mentioned that the team’s poor performance in the first half was not solely due to the midfield but rather the result of losing too many duels. He expressed his disappointment with the defenders’ struggles and the attackers’ inability to win enough duels. This analysis suggests that the substitution was made to address these issues and improve the team’s overall performance.
Moreover, Konate’s presence on the pitch allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold to have a greater impact on the game. The right-back was able to play a role similar to his inverted position from the previous season, giving him more influence in the attacking phase. This adjustment further highlights the tactical thinking behind Slot’s decision.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will face Brentford in their next match, where they will likely dominate possession. With Quansah’s technical abilities and Konate’s physicality, Slot has the option to choose the defender that best fits the requirements of each game. This flexibility in selecting the center-back pairing will be crucial for Liverpool as they aim to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, the substitution of Jarell Quansah at half time was a tactical decision made by Arne Slot to address the team’s struggles in winning duels. The introduction of Ibrahima Konate allowed Liverpool to have a more dominant presence in the air and improved Trent Alexander-Arnold’s impact on the game. As the season progresses, Slot will have the luxury of choosing between Quansah’s technical abilities and Konate’s physicality based on the demands of each match.