Even though Liverpool lost the Europa League, these three fringe players proved their worth to Klopp

Three Liverpool stars demonstrated they can make significant contributions to the Reds’ season despite the team’s 2-1 loss to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Because Jurgen Klopp’s team had already secured a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals before traveling to Belgium, the German was able to rest his starting eleven in preparation for Sunday’s exciting matchup with Manchester United. His decision to start Liverpool’s youngest ever European starting lineup showed as the Reds let numerous opportunities slip through their fingers.

A number of Klopp’s more veteran players let him down, although a handful, like goalkeeper Jarell Quansah, delivered solid performances. Even though the night was largely disappointing, the Daily Star Sport did find two bright spots, including the academy graduate’s great performance, which would have demonstrated his worth.

Quansah Jarell

Union SG's Mohamed Amoura, left, battles for the ball with Liverpool's Jarell Amorin Quansah during the Europa League Group E soccer match between Union SG and Liverpool at the RSC Anderlecht stadium in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023

Following last weekend’s heartbreak of giving up a contentious penalty against Crystal Palace, the 20-year-old recovered admirably with a composed display. In a first half devoid of excitement for Liverpool, the rookie center back briefly transformed into an experienced striker, masterfully handling and blasting home a corner.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jarell Quansah of Liverpool scoring the equalising goal during the Group E UEFA Europa League match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Liverpool FC at Stade Joseph Marien on December 14, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

His composed play in possession, along with his timely interceptions and tackles in the second half, more than made up for his first goal for the Reds. More Premier League outings are undoubtedly in Quansah’s future after another technically sound effort.

Laura Kelleher

Mohammed Amoura of Union Saint-Gilloise runs with the ball past Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool before scoring their sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Liverpool FC at Stade Joseph Marien on December 14, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

After a goalie makes an error that leads to an early goal, it’s hard to give them a lot of credit. In an attempt to thwart Mohamed Amoura’s daring dribble around him, Kelleher got a touch on the ball, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Algerian from scoring.

But before the first goal, the Irishman had denied USG twice with superb saves and confidently controlled his penalty area from corners. Without his heroics, the score would have been much worse; his best effort was a second-half save that denied Amoura.

Kong, Ibrahima

Before being substituted out for Joe Gomez, the gifted Frenchman appeared to be coasting through the first half. The forced substitution into a makeshift back four didn’t help Konate, but his early clearances and blocks were crucial.

What matters most to Klopp, though, is that the center back, who was plagued by injuries, managed to escape unharmed and get some key playing time. There will be a plethora of winter fixtures to contend with, and maintaining a one-point advantage atop the Premier League will necessitate Konate’s participation.