Main reason why Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is not happy with young star Quansah
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised young teammate Jarell Quansah over an interview he gave earlier this season.
Van Dijk says Quansah shouldn’t have spoken after Joel Matp was struck by a season-ending knee injury.
Quansah said at the time: “…obviously, it’s a shame what happened to Joel (Matip) and my condolences go to him. But my idea was to try and get over him anyway and try and be a starting centre-back in the Premier League.”
Van Dijk stated: “I think it came across a little bit not in the right way,” Van Dijk said. “It’s good that he thinks like this in my opinion. But it was maybe too soon (after Matip’s injury) for him to say it in the way it came across. I don’t think he meant it in that way.
“When I was 20 I’d also maybe say certain things that come across differently. I totally understand where he’s coming from. But we shouldn’t forget what Joel has done for this club and the contribution to the success we’ve had.”
But the Dutchman also said: “He just has to keep going. There will be times when it’s tough, that’s absolutely normal, but it’s about how you deal with that. He’s a good boy. Mentally, he’s in the right frame of mind and that’s a good start. I’ll be there for him, whenever he needs. He’ll be just fine.”
JURGEN KLOPP could hand a debut to the son of a former Liverpool star on Monday.
Lewis Koumas has already made one matchday squad for the club this season.
Lewis Koumas has family history at Liverpool
Lewis Koumas has family history at Liverpool
His dad Jason was in Liverpool’s youth academy
His dad Jason was in Liverpool’s youth academy
He was team-mates with Michael Owen, left, and Steven Gerrard
He was team-mates with Michael Owen, left, and Steven Gerrard
The striker was on the bench for Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat in the Europa League group-stage clash against Union Saint-Gilloise.
The 18-year-old has starred for the club’s youth teams this season with four goals and three assists in nine appearances in all competitions.
Koumas has a family connection to the club running back to 1997.
His father Jason Koumas, 44, is best known for his stints with West Brom and Wigan Athletic during his career.
However, the attacking midfielder started his career in Liverpool’s youth academy.
Koumas Sr played alongside some famous faces in his youth days.
He was a team-mate of club legend Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen before the striker won his Ballon d’Or.
Gerrard went on to captain the Anfield side to a Champions League title as well as two FA Cups and three League Cups.
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Owen was named the best player in the world in 2001 and went on to enjoy spells at Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke City.
Koumas, however, did not have as glamorous a career as his former team-mates.
He left Liverpool for Tranmere Rovers in 1997 and became a first-team player.
His good form at the club earned him a move to Premier League outfit West Brom in 2002.
Koumas went on to score 23 goals and assist 20 more in 141 appearances for the Baggies.
Can you name the famous fathers?
Our dad’s a Man Utd legend – now we run our own gym
My dad is an Arsenal Invincible – and I played under him
Our dad is Man Utd Treble winner – now we’re following in his footsteps
My dad is a legendary manager – and I even dated one of his players
Our dad won it all for Chelsea – now we’re starring for our country
He had a loan spell at Cardiff City before sealing a permanent move away to Wigan in 2007.
He ended his career with Tranmere in 2015.
Son Lewis will only need to make one appearance for Liverpool’s senior team in order to better his dad’s record for the club.
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