Who is Jarell Quansah? Bristol Rovers newest transfer signing from Liverpool

Joey Barton’s on the hunt for new faces for Bristol Rovers in this transfer window and a trip to Liverpool have given him his second signing in the form of Jarell Quansah.

Ellery Balcombe was the first signing of the January transfer window. Balcombe was recalled by Brentford from his loan spell at Crawley Town which has paved the way for him to spend the rest of the season at the Memorial Stadium. A goalkeeper wasn’t necessarily a priority but James Belshaw will now face competition from both Anssi Jaakkola and Balcombe.

Quansah is a name that excited Rovers fans given he was a part of the England Under-19’s side that won the European Championship’s last summer. A new centre-back was a must especially given Bobby Thomas’ recall to Burnley and his swift move to Barnsley. Alfie Kilgour’s sale to Mansfield has left them light at the back.

But just who is Jarell Quansah? He will be tasked with filling an important role, so is he up to the task? Lewis Bower, specialises in coverage of Liverpool’s academy teams. He has watched countless matches and seen several players come through the ranks over the years. He gives us the lowdown of Quansah, and what we can expect now he has been unveiled as a Rovers player.

What kind of defender is Jarrell Quansah?

Quansah has been with the club since the age of five and today stands as Liverpool’s most promising centre-back prospect. While his demeanour is calm and unbothered, he has captained Liverpool at numerous levels levels - including all the way to an FA Youth Cup final that had Liverpool’s backs against the walls on numerous occasion guided by Jarell

He’s dominant in the air with long legs he uses to spring from, but also wrap an opponent and nick the ball away. This season, his forays out of defence have been more regular in terms of carrying the ball. His passing range is good without being spectacular.

Is he ready for senior level football?

In terms of being ready for senior football, while he hasn’t grabbed a loan yet he has experienced playing against men in the EFL trophy. Cool and calmness personified but can up the gears if needed and hit one into row Z.

Joey Barton prefers playing with three centre-backs, can he cope in that system, but is he also versatile to adapt to a back four? Can he play anywhere else in defence?

While he can play in a back three he has predominantly played in a two, this isn’t to say he can’t of course. Playing in a back three could offer more security when he dribbles out from the back. He also has played enough at right-back to say that he can fill in there competently which could help him adapt to playing in a three.

What’s the view of Jarell Quansah at Liverpool? Can he make the grade at Anfield?

He seems liked at Liverpool although opportunities thus far have been afforded to Billy Koumetio, his age-mate and centre-back partner. While Koumetio arrived with potential, he would be raw in the respect is a converted winger and lacked some of the raw fundamental that’s Quansah provided in the heart of defence. If an opportunity where to provide itself at centre-back for an academy player, Quansah should get the nod.

He found himself in a Premier League squad for the first time in the second half of last season while this year he has trained with the first team infrequently.