Exclusive: John Barnes Talks Van Dijk, Trent, And Salah
Last Updated on January 15, 2024
By Jacob Potter 
After their 2-1 victory against Fulham in the midweek Carabao Cup fixture, Liverpool’s attention now turns back to the Premier League and their upcoming match against Bournemouth this Sunday. We had the opportunity to speak with Liverpool legend John Barnes to hear his insights on how Liverpool will manage without Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as his thoughts on the performances of academy graduate Jarell Quansah, who has made his breakthrough into the first team this season.
In this article:
- Liverpool have ready made replacements for Trent, Salah and Robbo
- Liverpool won’t miss Trent defensively
- Is Trent long term captain material?
- Barnes urges caution over Quansah’s development
- Barnes praises van Dijk’s influence on Quansah
Liverpool Have Ready Made Replacements For Trent, Salah And Robbo
With Liverpool’s defender Trent Alexander-Arnold sidelined for approximately three weeks due to a knee injury, the absence of key players like Mohamed Salah and Alexander-Arnold during this crucial period raises the question of whether Liverpool should consider short-term replacements.
While it’s always a consideration for clubs to reinforce their squad depth during injury spells, Liverpool’s approach will depend on the severity of the injuries, the available options within the squad, and the upcoming fixtures.
“We don’t need to bring in short term replacements in January because we already have short term replacements.
“Look at Joe Gomez at left back. We have Connor Bradley who came on at right back against Arsenal. Up front we have Jota, Diaz, Nunez and Gakpo.
“In midfield we still have Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones so we’re well covered for the short term.”
Liverpool Won’t Miss Trent Defensively
Trent Alexander-Arnold has seamlessly embraced the hybrid right-back/midfield role that Liverpool has deployed him in since their encounter with Arsenal at Anfield last season. The English international has elevated his game this season, showcasing his goal-scoring ability, including the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Fulham. While Barnes recognizes his significance, he asserts that Liverpool can manage in his absence.
“Trent’s performances never change from week to week. He always impresses me. We know the ability he has on the ball and his creativity.
“From a defensive point of view we won’t miss Trent because that’s not his strong point but we will miss his creativity in midfield.
“The way we play means he isn’t the only creative force in the team. We have others who create chances so I think his importance can be overemphasised.
“He’s an important player but we can cope because we already play in a very attacking way. It’s not all about Trent. I’m not overly worried about the situation.”
Is Trent Long Term Captain Material?
Trent has emerged as a dependable leader for Liverpool this season, particularly following the departures of influential figures in the changing room, such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Despite being only 25 years old, Trent has assumed the role of a senior player at the club, as recognised by Barnes.
“Trent is now one of our longest serving players and don’t forget Henderson and Milner have left so we needed someone to take over that situation.
“With the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo so Trent is now one of the senior players and it was always going to be a natural progression for him.”
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Barnes Praises Van Dijk’s Influence On Quansah
Jurgen Klopp’s trust in young talent during challenging times has paid off handsomely, as evidenced by the emergence of academy graduate Jarell Quansah. Quansah, a skillful centre-back, inked his professional contract with Liverpool FC in February 2021 and extended his commitment to the club in May 2023.
August 2023 marked a significant milestone for Quansah as he made his senior debut for Liverpool, coming on as a substitute in the memorable 2-1 comeback victory against Newcastle United. Since his debut, Quansah has continued to make significant strides into the Liverpool first team this season.
“Quansah has done well because of the stabilising presence Virgil van Dijk brings to the Liverpool defence, says Barnes.
“If Virgil doesn’t play and you have Quansah and Gomez in the centre of defence, we don’t know how that’s going to fair.
“The potential Quansah has is very high but he needs calming influence around him. A leader who calms everything down.”
Barnes Urges Caution Over Quansah’s Development
Whilst Barnes is thrilled with the performances displayed by Quansah thus far, he remains cautious and grounded when it comes to discussing Quansah’s development. He acknowledges that many young talents have emerged with significant expectations, only to face the challenges and pressures that accompany such rapid success.
“We know Quansah is a good player. We knew that when he was in the academy but he needs senior players alongside him.
“It’s understandable because he’s only played half a dozen games for the first team. I’m not getting too carried away because we like to apply pressure on these young players when they haven’t really done anything.
““His future looks bright and he’s capable of being a fantastic player for years to come but I don’t want to put too much pressure on him.”
