National coach backs Klopp masterstroke in chasing Norwich star

Raheem Sterling, Jamal Lewis

Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough says defender Jamal Lewis has “all the attributes” to improve by working under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Liverpool are reportedly chasing Northern Ireland international Lewis as cover for Andy Robertson at left-back.

The 22-year-old was an exciting hit in the Premier League despite his side’s eventual relegation back to the Championship.

Indeed, the latest claims say the Reds have had an initial £10million bid rejected by the Canaries. Daniel Farke’s side reportedly want £20million or more for the player.


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Speaking to the Irish News, Baraclough insisted that Lewis would get sufficient game time to improve despite the unmissable presence of Robertson.

“I’ve spoken to two or three people about the proposed move. There have been differing opinions,” Baraclough said. “As a player, I’d be saying ‘Where’s the contract, I want to sign it’.

“Why wouldn’t you want to go to the European champions, the Premier League champions and the World Club champions?

Willian Jamal Lewis Chelsea Norwich TEAMtalk

“Some people might say you won’t get as much game time. But if you’re training day in, day out, with Jurgen Klopp and the calibre of players he’d be working with, you’re going to improve as a player and it would take him to the next level.

“It would be up to him to knuckle down, if that move happens, and make sure he’s at the forefront of the manager’s thoughts.

“The amount of games they play, and the way they rotate players now, he’d certainly get game time and I certainly think it would bring him on as a player.

“He’s got all the attributes, he’s a level-headed kid and he’s one that wants to improve.”

BARACLOUGH HAILS LEWIS’ ATTITUDE

Jamal Lewis TEAMtalk

Baraclough added that Lewis’ desire to improve could see him be a hit under Klopp at Anfield.

“You’ll find him in the gym before training and after training and he’s probably one of those kids, having worked with him for a little bit of time, you have to keep the reins on a bit so he doesn’t do too much,” Baraclough said.

“He wants to question you about how he can improve and I love players like that.

“I love players who invest time in themselves and don’t just settle for what they’ve got.”

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