Liverpool transfer deal just sent warning to those who want Jurgen Klopp call

It has been a contrasting few days for two young Liverpool centre-backs. And their experiences underline the challenge facing players emerging from the Academy under Jurgen Klopp.

On Sunday, Jarell Quansah made a sizeable step forward in his burgeoning career when handed a surprise first-team debut on Sunday, replacing Joel Matip for the 10-man Reds with 77 minutes gone as they trailed 1-0 at Newcastle United.

Given Klopp’s side ultimately secured a remarkable 2-1 victory on one of the great afternoons of his reign, the youngster can consider his initial taste of senior top-flight football a huge success.

Two days later, another 20-year-old Liverpool defender was in the news. But rather than further development with Klopp’s squad, Billy Koumetio will instead spend the season back in his native France with Ligue 2 newcomers USL Dunkerque.

There are similarities between the manner in which the pair made their breakthrough at Liverpool, both having impressed Klopp during the pre-season programme and given the opportunity to maintain that momentum during the subsequent campaign.

For Koumetio, that came three years ago when, after the coronavirus lockdown, he caught the eye as a 17-year-old to such a degree he was given the nickname “Billy the Kid” by the Reds boss. It led to the defender making his senior debut in the Champions League group stage dead rubber at FC Midtjylland when replacing emergency centre-back Fabinho at half-time.