In the recent summer transfer window, Jürgen Klopp had an overwhelming area of need to address. His midfield department had grown tired and worn over time, with five players allowed to depart in Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho and Naby Keïta.

A renovation job was very much on the agenda with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch moving to Liverpool as reinforcements. With Fluminense midfielder André tipped for a switch to Merseyside in the upcoming January window, Klopp's engine room rebuild could be on the verge of being completed.

Next on his to-do list is likely to be his defense, with Joël Matip possessing a contract that is due to expire at the end of the current campaign. The Cameroonian center-back was one of Klopp's first signings in charge of Liverpool — joining the club in 2016 — but now aged 32, his time on English shores could be about to come to an end.

READ MORE: 'I'd be lying' - Dominik Szoboszlai makes honest admission on life after Liverpool transfer

READ MORE: Full Ballon d’Or votes breakdown examined as Mohamed Salah of Liverpool makes eight 'top fives'

Matip still looks just as capable as ever whenever he's involved, but it is reasonable to suggest that his best days are behind him. Klopp will need a younger model in his defensive line sooner rather than later, which is why his most recent partner could be destined for big things.

On Wednesday night, Matip was deployed in defense for the Reds to face Bournemouth in a tricky Carabao Cup knockout match. He helped his team deliver a 2-1 win over the Cherries, but his partner at the back was named as the best-performing player on the pitch by Klopp.

Speaking after the domestic cup clash, the German coach said: "Jarell [Quansah] was my Man of the Match. Strong in the tackles. We gave him the ball a lot. He had a lot to do. Super game." Indeed, the Reds youngster seized the opportunity that was presented to him by exhibiting a very dominant display at the back.

He posted more touches than any of his teammates but rarely lost possession. He was composed and assured when on the ball, with his performance offering promise considering he's still just 20 years old.

Quansah was still a teenager in January. He has almost painted himself as a wonderkid so far this term, performing like an experienced professional despite his status as a recent academy graduate who is tasting first-team football for the first time.

His physical presence is particularly notable. Quansah stands around the same height as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, which allows him to engage in one-on-one battles with seasoned opponents without appearing like he's out of his depth, which can often happen when a prospect is presented with senior minutes.

On top of the obvious perks attached to his game, Quansah also possesses homegrown status. Considering Liverpool has lost Henderson, Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain this year, that perk could be invaluable, especially given the relative uncertainty surrounding the futures of players such as Fábio Carvalho and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Klopp is likely to want to add a left-footed defender to his ranks, with Sporting Lisbon's Gonçalo Inácio (as per Sport Bild) and Bayer Leverkusen's Piero Hincapié (via This Is Anfield) having been linked over the past year. Quansah prefers to use his right boot, which isn't ideal, but that is exactly why he could be Matip's long-term heir.

Liverpool still technically needs a new left-footed option from the market, but Klopp might already have a solution within his ranks for the right side of his defense. Quansah has the potential to save his club millions in transfer fees, with those funds free to be invested in other areas.

Overall, it is still very early days for the Reds starlet. Klopp will not get carried away with Quansah, but behind the scenes, he will surely be encouraged by the prospect of him evolving into one of England's best central defenders in the coming years.