Ben Foster says one Liverpool player was ‘bullied’ by Ipswich Town in Premier League opener

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Arne Slot’s first Premier League game in charge of Liverpool ended in a 2-0 win for the Reds as they put Ipswich Town to the sword at Portman Road.

Second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah were enough to see off the newly promoted as Liverpool grew into the game after the interval.

Ipswich had the upper hand in the first half but failed to make their opportunities count, with Slot criticising his team for losing too many duels.

Salah did become the Premier League player with the most opening-day goals, but another player who came under the limelight was Jarell Quansah, who was withdrawn at the start of the second half for Ibrahima Konate.

And Ben Foster believes the Liverpool defender had something of a baptism of fire under his new manager.

Ben Foster tips Jarell Quansah to bounce back after early substitution

Quansah was chosen to start alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence but was replaced by Konate at the interval.

Speaking after the game, Slot confirmed to TNT Sports that it was indeed a tactical substitution as Liverpool didn’t win enough duels against their opponents.

While Foster admits Quansah struggled against Ipswich, he believes the experience will help him develop as a player.

“I think that’s a blessing in disguise for Quansah, I do. I think he will learn so much from that. He knows he has been bullied,” Foster said on his YouTube channel.

What next for Quansah at Liverpool?

Quansah was chosen ahead of Konate to start Liverpool’s Premier League opener which is a clear sign that the young Englishman is held in high regard by the new manager.

Liverpool also turned down Newcastle United’s advances for Quansah this summer as the Magpies wanted to include him in a deal for Anthony Gordon, which is further proof that he is very much part of their plans for the long haul.

He didn’t cover himself in too much glory against Ipswich, but Liverpool simply didn’t get going in the first half and Quansah isn’t the only one to be blamed for their lacklustre showing.

The Reds take on Brentford at Anfield on Sunday and it remains to be seen if Quansah keeps his place in the starting XI.

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