Liverpool U21 coach Barry Lewtas says he’s delighted with what he’s seen from Bristol Rovers loanee Jarell Quansah.
Quansah joined Rovers on a half-season loan in January, his first spell away from Liverpool. Since then, the 20-year-old has become a fixture in Joey Barton’s team – playing the last four games at centre-back.
And speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Lewtas says those back at Liverpool are so pleased with Quansah’s early progress.
“He is doing well. I spoke to Jarell this week. I have watched all of his games, apart from the Ipswich game [on Tuesday], live. I think Jarell has acquitted himself really well actually,” said the coach.
“From our point of view, we have been really pleased with certain parts of his game and how he has gone in there straight from the off – he has carried on the good form he was having with us.
“He was certainly ready for a loan and he was ready to go in somewhere and start. I’m really pleased he has gone in there and been given this opportunity. In my opinion, he has done well and the important thing for him now is to try to stay in the team and try to contribute. It was a fantastic point for Bristol Rovers against Ipswich Town and I’m sure they will build on that.”
Quansah looking to catch the eye
Now twenty, it was imperative that Quansah got some experience in a first team environment. Despite Jurgen Klopp’s issues at centre-back recently, that was never going to be with Liverpool.
Having said that, the England U17 international is clearly on Klopp’s radar. Quansah has trained with the senior side plenty of times over recent years. He also made up part of the squad during the World Cup camp in Dubai. So, there’s obviously something there that Jurgen likes.
You can see what it is, too. Tall and silky smooth on the ball, Quansah does have a certain Joel Matip-ness to him.
With Big Joel perhaps looking to move on during this summer’s transfer window, there could be an opportunity opening up.
If Quansah carries on playing consistently at Bristol Rovers, he’ll be hopeful of a chance in this year’s pre-season. Then again, Barton’s charges are currently sitting mid-table in League One. It’s a big jump in quality to be vying for a place in the Liverpool first team.
Tuesday’s point against Ipswich was also the first time Rovers had done anything other than lose with Quansah in the side. Nevertheless, manager Barton has clearly been impressed with his Liverpool loanee. Keep it going, Jarell!