Even diehard Liverpool fans could be forgiven for not knowing too much about half of the kids on their tour of the United States this summer. This time last year, a certain Jarell Quansah was in that category.
He went on that two-game trip to sunny Singapore on the back of a pleasing loan at League One Bristol Rovers. Back then, it was not disrespectful to think he was only there to make up the numbers.
A year on, Quansah has been a shining light of Liverpool's jaunt across the Atlantic, putting in stellar performances that have surely put him in contention to be the Reds' No 2 centre back alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the new season.
Of course, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez will have a qualm with the above statement. But 21-year-old Quansah, who was getting the nod alongside the skipper at the end of last season, is the real deal.
In a short but sweet chat in Philadelphia, Quansah is asked if he ever feels imposter syndrome after his meteoric rise from academy kid to mainstay in the first team. 'Never imposter, nah,' he says. 'Never anything like that.
Jarell Quansah was not well known 12 months ago but he is now a first-team star for Liverpool
Quansah pictured (right) winning a header during this week's friendly game against Arsenal
'For me, I've always wanted to be a starting centre back for Liverpool so it's never been like I've [just] landed here. You've all seen it as the last year but I've been working for 16 years at Liverpool, grafting away which you probably don't see. That's always been my goal and plan.'
Quansah was mentioned by Newcastle as part of a move that would see boyhood Liverpool fan Anthony Gordon come to Anfield, as was Joe Gomez. The top line of that was, of course, that the Reds were keen on the England winger.
But also worth noting was the stance from Liverpool: Quansah is going nowhere. Jurgen Klopp was pleasantly surprised at his development and new boss Arne Slot has been excited by the prospect of coaching the youngster to the next level.
With Joel Matip leaving the club on a free this summer and missing most of last season with a nasty injury – he is yet to find a new team – many suspected that centre back would be the main area Liverpool targeted to improve this season.
But Quansah could be the man to save the Reds £75million, which is the premium for a top-quality centre half these days. He has a calmness beyond his years on the ball and always seems to be in the right place defensively.
Asked if he has had time to process his rise, he says: 'I probably haven't realised it how everyone would have thought I'd realised. It has not been a realisation of how I've done so far but a realisation that I'm capable of playing at the level.
'And I can kick on much better. There are so many things I can look back on last year and improve on. There are so many goals that I need to achieve, that's the realisation.'
Quansah spoke to Liverpool fans at an event at The Fillmore Philadelphia earlier this week
Quansah played 33 games for Liverpool in all competitions last season and scored three goals
Quizzed on what exactly he needs to improve, he adds: 'I think you can figure it out yourself, I'm always looking at games back to see where I can improve. I'm not going to give anyone any secrets on what I'm working on.
'I'm still young, there's a lot to improve on. That's the best thing about it, I know I can be good at times but there's so much potential and I need to keep working hard to fulfil it.'
Quansah is a steady head with an excellent attitude. After joining the club aged five – his family are Manchester United fans – the defender has always shown a determination to learn that perhaps many kids do not possess.
Last year, he asked Liverpool to provide him with drone footage and wide-angle shots of Van Dijk's defending. He spent hours poring over snaps of the Dutchman, but he also studied the likes of John Stones, Sergio Ramos and Leonardo Bonucci to see how they move off the ball.
He has also been described to 'go on a mad one' and study clips of South American defenders to study as many different types of players as he can. When injured, Matip was said to be influential in talking to Quansah and lecturing him on how to improve.
Speaking at an event at the Phillimore earlier this week, the defender said: 'Virgil is a Rolls-Royce. He's everything I want to be as a centre-back. I can take so much from him. I've learned so much, not just from Virg but from the entire backline.
'He's the best centre back in the world. Having a role model like that who I've always looked up to is massive for me.'
Quansah pictured next to Virgil van Dijk (right) during a game against Man United last season
Former England boss Gareth Southgate was also a big fan of Quansah, to the point that he was asked to stick around and train with the group ahead of the European Championship even after the preliminary squad was trimmed.
'[The experience with England] was really good, I couldn't thank Gareth enough for that opportunity,' he adds. 'Just to be around the best players in the country and get that recognition of the season I've had was a good experience for me.'