Jurgen Klopp says he had no difficulty in starting Jarell Quansah in Liverpool’s 2-0 Europa League win over Union Saint-Gilloise.

Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota goals at the conclusion of both halves on Thursday gave the Reds back-to-back Group E victory after they began their season with a 3-1 win against LASK last month.

Quansah, who made his fifth appearance of the season against the Belgians, turned in a superb performance with Ibrahima Konate as the England Under-20 international stayed steady in the face of the physical threat of the USG assault.

Klopp insisted he had no reservations about starting Quansah on a night when Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, and Joel Matip were all on the substitutes’ bench, but the Reds manager also revealed the young defender will be required to play for the U21s at various points throughout the season as he continues to learn his trade at the top level.

“It’s part of his development,” Klopp explained. “If you’re not ready, it’s difficult to play football, but I had no doubt he was.” It’s all due to him. It was not a difficult decision to start him tonight; he is still young, and we have a pretty talented football squad, so he will receive minutes.

“He’ll also play for the under-21s.” That’s wonderful to observe; it’s a joy to witness his development now that he’s properly with us. He is a terrific footballer on the ball; he could have assisted Mo (Salah) in the first half, but it was top defending, quick thinking, and stepping into it. I believe he will be pleased, and rightly so.”