The Kopite View

Well, that is not the news Liverpool fans wanted to hear before Manchester City come to Anfield.

Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo will both miss Sunday’s game, leaving Liverpool without two important attacking options for one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

Both players picked up injuries while away on international duty, and Iraola was clearly frustrated by the timing.

He explained that he always hopes the doctors won’t call during an international break, but Liverpool have been unlucky this time.

Unfortunately, there is no last-minute recovery for either player.

Neither Isak nor Gakpo will be involved against City.

And with Hugo Ekitike already sidelined by his long-term Achilles injury, Liverpool suddenly have a serious problem to solve up front.

Gakpo and Isak are out – but the injuries don’t look long term

There is at least some encouraging news in Iraola’s update.

Gakpo has an ankle injury following what the Liverpool boss described as a bad tackle during the Netherlands’ game against Serbia.

Iraola explained that the issue is partly about managing the pain, with Gakpo working on his recovery but not ready to return for Sunday.

Isak, meanwhile, has a thigh injury after leaving Sweden’s camp.

Neither problem currently looks like a long-term injury, according to Iraola, although both players need more time before they can return.

That is obviously positive.

Liverpool need these players back as quickly as possible, particularly with a busy schedule ahead. But I would much rather see them given the time they need than risk making either injury worse for the sake of one game.

Missing Manchester City is bad enough. Losing them for several more weeks would be far worse.

Liverpool have been incredibly unlucky with injuries

I have to admit, the timing is frustrating.

Liverpool had spent the international break hoping to get players rested and prepared for the return of Premier League football.

Instead, Iraola has been left dealing with more injury problems.

Gakpo had been looking increasingly confident, while Isak had started to show why Liverpool were so keen to bring him to Anfield.

Their understanding was beginning to develop, and losing both at the same time is a significant setback.

It also leaves Iraola with a difficult selection decision.

Who leads the line against City?

Does he use a natural striker, move another attacker centrally or change the system to make better use of the players available?

There isn’t an obvious answer, and that is what makes this such a difficult situation.

Iraola has already backed Lewis Koumas

There is, however, one player who could benefit from the situation.

Lewis Koumas.

Iraola was asked about the young Welsh forward and made it clear that Liverpool trust him.

“Koumas has our trust,” was the manager’s message, adding that the player had already shown he was ready to take his opportunity.

I actually like that response.

Koumas has just had a busy international break with Wales, playing 241 minutes in 11 days. That experience could be valuable if he is asked to step into a bigger role for Liverpool.

He has been used in attacking positions and has experience playing through the middle, although starting against Manchester City would be a considerable test.

Let’s not pretend that replacing Isak is a simple task. The Swede offers physicality, movement and a goalscoring threat that Liverpool will miss.

But Koumas deserves to be considered.

If Iraola believes he is ready, then this is precisely the sort of situation in which a young player can make a name for himself.

This is where Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested

The injuries also raise questions about Liverpool’s attacking depth.

When everybody is fit, Iraola has several ways of setting up his forward line. But with Isak and Gakpo unavailable and Ekitike still recovering, the options become much more limited.

Florian Wirtz could be used in a more advanced role. Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz may also have important parts to play, depending on how Iraola wants to approach the game.

There is no need to panic before a ball has been kicked, but Liverpool will have to find a different solution.

And against Manchester City, that is not easy.

Liverpool cannot afford to spend the whole afternoon defending and hoping for a moment of magic. They will need to carry a threat, keep possession when possible and make the most of whatever opportunities come their way.

That means the players who do feature in attack will have to take responsibility.

Sunday has just become a bigger challenge

I was already looking forward to this game, but the injury news has certainly made me more nervous.

City are coming to Anfield, and Liverpool will be without two players who could have made a real difference.

Still, I don’t want this to become an excuse before the match even begins.

Liverpool have talented players available, and Iraola has shown that he is willing to trust younger members of the squad.

Perhaps Koumas will get his chance. Perhaps Wirtz will be asked to play closer to goal. Perhaps another player will produce an unexpected performance.

Football rarely follows the script.

What matters now is that Liverpool find a way to compete without two of their senior attackers.

And if Koumas does get the nod, I hope he plays without fear. He has earned the opportunity to show what he can do.

Isak and Gakpo will be missed, but Liverpool still have a game to win.

Hopefully, both players recover quickly and return without any complications.

For now, though, Iraola must find a solution for Sunday.

And Lewis Koumas could be one of the players who helps him do it.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I think a lot of Liverpool supporters will understand exactly where John Achterberg is coming from.

For years, we watched Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool push Manchester City to extraordinary levels. We watched Liverpool win 97 points and still finish second. We watched them collect 92 points three seasons later and miss out on the Premier League title by a single point again.

And throughout those years, there was always the feeling that Liverpool were trying to compete with a club operating with enormous financial resources.

Now Achterberg, Liverpool’s former goalkeeping coach, has spoken about what he believes was happening during that period.

And his words are pretty strong.

“I wasn’t angry or surprised. It only confirmed what I already knew. Over all those years at Liverpool, it was clear that we were fighting against an opponent who had an unfair advantage.”

That is quite a statement from somebody who was inside Liverpool throughout much of that rivalry.

Liverpool knew how difficult the challenge was

Achterberg worked at Liverpool for more than a decade, becoming part of the coaching staff during some of the most memorable years in the club’s modern history.

He was there as Klopp built a team capable of challenging Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the biggest prizes in English football.

And what a rivalry it became.

Liverpool finished the 2018/19 Premier League season with 97 points, losing just one league match. City finished with 98.

In 2021/22, Liverpool collected 92 points. City finished on 93.

Those are extraordinary totals. In most seasons, they would have been enough to win the league.

But Liverpool kept finding themselves just short of Guardiola’s side.

For supporters, those campaigns were thrilling, exhausting and ultimately heartbreaking. Every dropped point felt enormous because City seemed capable of winning almost every match in front of them.

Achterberg’s comments reflect the frustration that many Liverpool fans have carried for years.

The verdict has changed the conversation

The reason these comments carry additional weight now is the recent verdict in the Premier League’s financial case against Manchester City.

An independent commission found City guilty of more than 100 breaches of financial rules, covering a period between 2009 and 2018. City have strongly denied wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the verdict. The final outcome and any potential sanctions remain unresolved.

That distinction matters. The appeal has to be dealt with, and it would be premature to treat every possible consequence as settled.

But the verdict has inevitably reopened questions about City’s era of dominance and the competitive landscape in which Liverpool were trying to win trophies.

Achterberg’s view is that it confirms what he already believed while working at Anfield.

And you can understand why Liverpool supporters are revisiting those narrow title defeats.

Those one-point defeats still hurt

I keep coming back to the 2018/19 season.

Ninety-seven points. One league defeat. A team that was relentless from August to May.

And still no Premier League title.

Then 2021/22 came along, and Liverpool pushed City all the way to the final day again. The Reds beat Wolves 3-1, but City’s comeback against Aston Villa secured another championship.

It was an incredible period of football, and credit has to go to the quality of the Liverpool side that competed so consistently.

But the frustration was obvious. Klopp and his players had to be almost perfect simply to stay in the race.

Liverpool supporters have long argued that the financial gap between the clubs made that challenge even harder. The recent verdict has given that argument a new context, although it does not automatically rewrite the results or decide who would have won those seasons under different circumstances.

That is why Achterberg’s words will resonate with so many fans.

He wasn’t watching from the stands. He was part of the club trying to compete.

Klopp’s Liverpool deserve their recognition

One thing I don’t want to lose in all this is just how good Klopp’s Liverpool actually were.

It would be wrong to remember those teams only through the lens of their defeats to City.

Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019, finally lifted the Premier League title in 2020 and collected domestic cups along the way. They produced some of the best football Anfield has seen in years.

They also pushed City to standards that demanded extraordinary consistency from both sides.

Whatever happens with the appeal, those Liverpool teams deserve to be remembered for their own achievements.

And if the case eventually leads to sanctions, the relevant authorities will have to decide what those should be. Fans can understandably debate the implications, but there is no simple way to replay a season that happened years ago.

Sunday’s meeting has another layer now

Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, and this time the build-up is about more than the football.

The financial verdict has added another layer to a rivalry that was already intense. Liverpool supporters will have their own feelings about what has happened, while City continue to contest the findings.

Achterberg’s comments are likely to strike a chord because they come from someone who experienced those years from inside the Liverpool dressing room and training ground.

He believes the club were competing against an opponent with an unfair advantage.

For many Liverpool fans, that will sound familiar.

But now the important thing is that the process reaches a proper conclusion and the Premier League explains what happens next.

I understand Achterberg’s frustration

I don’t think Liverpool supporters will ever forget those title races.

Ninety-seven points. Ninety-two points. Two seasons where Liverpool came agonisingly close to winning the league.

Achterberg’s comments bring all those memories back, and they underline why the latest developments matter so much to supporters who lived through that era.

The verdict is significant, but the appeal remains outstanding and the consequences are not yet settled.

What cannot be disputed is that Klopp’s Liverpool had to be extraordinary to compete with Manchester City during those years.

And if Achterberg believes the contest was unfair, he is entitled to say so.

For Liverpool fans, the feeling behind his words will be all too familiar.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I love seeing Liverpool’s academy players getting a genuine opportunity to make their mark, and Will Wright could be the next youngster to benefit from Andoni Iraola’s willingness to look towards the next generation.

According to the Daily Mail, Wright is being tipped as the next Liverpool academy star to break into the first team, with Iraola potentially considering the young striker for the bench against Manchester City on Sunday.

And you can understand why.

Liverpool have a problem up front, with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both carrying injury concerns, while Hugo Ekitike remains sidelined.

Suddenly, a youngster who might otherwise have been waiting patiently for his opportunity could find himself much closer to the first team.

Could Wright be about to get his chance at Anfield?

Liverpool need attacking options

The timing is certainly interesting.

Liverpool face Manchester City on Sunday in one of the biggest games of the season so far, and Iraola needs as many attacking options as possible.

Isak’s fitness is a concern, Gakpo has returned from international duty with an ankle problem, and Ekitike is unavailable.

That leaves the manager with some important decisions to make.

Lewis Koumas is another option who could be considered, particularly after his busy international break with Wales. But Wright offers something different: a natural centre-forward who has already spent time around the senior squad.

Iraola may not want to throw an 18-year-old into such a huge game, but having him available on the bench would at least give Liverpool another option if circumstances demand it.

And sometimes, being involved in a matchday squad is an important step in itself.

Wright has already had a taste of first-team football

This wouldn’t be completely new territory for Wright.

The young striker was included in Liverpool’s senior pre-season tour of the United States, featuring against Sunderland and Wrexham before also getting minutes against Como.

He has already experienced training alongside the first-team players and learning from senior forwards, including Isak.

Wright has spoken about how much he enjoyed that opportunity, describing the experience as a dream come true and explaining that being involved in senior matchdays had made him hungry for more.

That is exactly the attitude you want to see.

He knows he still has plenty to learn, but he’s clearly determined to make the most of every opportunity.

And with Iraola prepared to give young players opportunities when they earn them, Wright has reason to believe there could be a pathway into the senior side.

He’s already shown he can score goals

Wright also gave supporters a glimpse of his finishing ability during pre-season.

He scored against Everton in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, showing composure inside the penalty area to put the ball into the corner.

It was only a friendly, of course, and nobody should get carried away by one goal. But it was another positive moment in his development.

He has also been working towards an ambitious target of scoring more than 10 goals in Premier League 2 this season, while continuing to develop into the type of centre-forward Liverpool hope he can become.

At 18, he still has a long way to go.

But Wright has the opportunity to learn from Liverpool’s senior players, experience the demands of first-team football and gradually make a case for himself.

Iraola has already shown he trusts young players

One of the encouraging things about Iraola’s approach has been his willingness to involve academy players.

Liverpool have already seen youngsters benefit from opportunities under the new manager, and Wright was among those who impressed during pre-season.

Iraola has previously spoken positively about the quality of the young players who joined the senior squad on tour, praising their performances against Premier League opposition and confirming that some would remain involved with the first team.

That doesn’t mean every promising youngster will immediately become a regular.

There is a difference between impressing in training, earning a place on the bench and becoming an established first-team player.

But Wright has already taken some important steps.

And with Liverpool short of recognised centre-forward options, this could be another opportunity for him to move forward.

I wouldn’t expect miracles against Manchester City

Let’s keep our feet on the ground.

If Wright makes the bench on Sunday, it doesn’t automatically mean he will come on, and it certainly doesn’t mean Liverpool should be relying on an 18-year-old to solve their attacking problems.

Manchester City are a formidable opponent, and this is a game where Liverpool will need their senior players to deliver.

But there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving Wright the opportunity to be involved.

Even sitting on the bench, watching the preparation and experiencing the atmosphere around such a big fixture would be valuable.

And if he does get on the pitch, he can simply concentrate on doing the basics well, working hard and showing what he can offer.

That’s all anyone should ask of him.

He doesn’t need to be the next Liverpool superstar overnight. He just needs his first opportunities to keep coming.

Could Sunday be another step forward?

For me, that’s the exciting part.

Wright has already experienced senior training, played in pre-season and scored against Everton. Now, with Liverpool facing uncertainty over their attacking options, the possibility of another first-team call-up feels significant.

Whether he makes the bench against Manchester City remains to be seen, but the fact that he is being discussed as a potential option shows how important academy depth can be.

Liverpool have invested heavily in their attack, yet injuries can quickly force a manager to look elsewhere.

Sometimes that means turning to an experienced player in an unfamiliar position.

Other times, it opens the door for a youngster who has been waiting for his opportunity.

Wright could be the next player to benefit.

I’m not expecting him to come on against City and win the game for Liverpool. But I’d love to see him involved, learning from the experience and getting another taste of what it means to be part of the senior squad.

Because if he keeps working hard and taking his chances, this doesn’t have to be a one-off opportunity.

Will Wright could be Liverpool’s next academy success story. Sunday might just bring him one step closer.

By Jamie (The Kopite View)

Some Liverpool records are so extraordinary that you have to stop and remind yourself just how remarkable they really are.

Ian Rush scoring 346 goals for Liverpool is one of them.

But on 9 October 1990, the legendary Welsh striker reached another milestone on his way to establishing himself as the greatest goalscorer in the club’s history.

Rush scored a hat-trick as Liverpool beat Crewe Alexandra 4-1 away from home in the League Cup.

And his second goal of the evening took him to 250 goals for the Reds.

Not a bad night’s work.

Rush was doing what Rush did best

Liverpool travelled to Crewe looking to finish the job in the League Cup, and Rush made sure there would be no doubt about the outcome.

He found the net three times, with Steve Staunton also getting on the scoresheet in a convincing victory.

The result meant Liverpool progressed to the third round with a 9-2 aggregate win.

But while the scoreline was impressive, Rush’s personal achievement was the real story.

His second strike brought up his 250th goal for Liverpool — another astonishing landmark for a player who seemed to make scoring look almost effortless.

For most strikers, reaching 250 goals for one club would represent the achievement of a lifetime.

For Rush, it was another step towards a record that still stands today.

The numbers are almost impossible to comprehend

Rush eventually finished his Liverpool career with 346 goals in 660 appearances across two spells at Anfield.

He remains the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, ahead of Roger Hunt, Mohamed Salah and every other player who has worn the famous red shirt.

What makes Rush’s record even more impressive is that he wasn’t simply a penalty-box striker waiting for chances to fall his way.

He was quick, intelligent, relentless in his movement and brilliant at finding space where defenders least wanted him to be.

His partnership with Kenny Dalglish became one of the great attacking combinations in Liverpool history, and Rush played a huge part in the club’s dominance during the 1980s.

Five league titles.

Two European Cups.

Five League Cups.

Three FA Cups.

Those trophies tell their own story, but his goalscoring record remains extraordinary even when considered on its own.

And he wasn’t finished yet

The beauty of looking back at that night in Crewe is knowing what came afterwards.

Rush continued scoring for Liverpool for years, eventually overtaking Roger Hunt to become the club’s record goalscorer in October 1992.

That moment came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, when his 287th Liverpool goal took him beyond Hunt’s long-standing mark.

He would add another 59 goals to his tally before leaving Anfield, finishing on that remarkable total of 346.

So that hat-trick against Crewe was more than just another memorable performance.

It was another milestone in a career that would see Rush become one of the most celebrated players ever to represent Liverpool.

A Liverpool legend who set the standard

Modern supporters have been fortunate to watch some extraordinary goalscorers.

Mohamed Salah has rewritten records of his own, while Liverpool have had plenty of brilliant forwards throughout their history.

But Rush’s total of 346 goals remains the benchmark.

It is a record built on years of consistency, outstanding movement and a remarkable instinct for finding the back of the net.

On this day in 1990, he added three more goals to his collection and reached 250 for Liverpool.

He still had plenty more to come.

Ian Rush didn’t just score goals for Liverpool. He made goalscoring history.

And more than three decades after that night at Crewe, his place at the top of Liverpool’s all-time scoring list remains secure.

346 goals. One incredible Liverpool career.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

I’ll be honest, when I look at the young players Liverpool have coming through, I get genuinely excited about what the next few years could bring.

And it isn’t just because of one or two names.

Liverpool have young talent coming through in almost every position, and some of these players are already giving us a glimpse of what they could become.

From Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni to Josh Abe, Will Wright and Samuel Martínez, there is plenty here for Liverpool supporters to get excited about.

Then you add Jérémy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz to the picture, and it becomes even more interesting.

This isn’t simply a list of academy hopefuls.

It is a mixture of emerging prospects, young first-team players and footballers who could have a big part to play in Liverpool’s future.

The future looks red, and I like the look of it.

Rio Ngumoha is already showing what is possible

If there is one name on this list who has already made Liverpool fans sit up and take notice, it is Rio Ngumoha.

The winger’s rise has been remarkable. Liverpool’s official profile highlights his historic Premier League debut at Newcastle, where he scored a dramatic late winner, and his progress through the club’s youth teams into senior football.

What I like about Ngumoha is that he looks willing to take players on.

He wants the ball. He wants to attack defenders. He doesn’t seem frightened of making something happen.

That is exactly the sort of attitude supporters love to see.

Of course, he is still young and needs time to develop, but Liverpool have every reason to be excited about what he might become.

And he isn’t the only attacking prospect worth watching.

Will Wright has already experienced senior football with Salford City before joining Liverpool’s U21s, while Jayden Danns has been working towards establishing himself at the club.

Liverpool need young forwards who can eventually provide competition and depth for the first team.

The challenge is giving them the right opportunities without expecting too much too soon.

The midfield could be particularly exciting

Josh Abe, Trey Nyoni and Alvin Ayman are among the young midfielders on the list who will be worth following closely.

Nyoni is already a name Liverpool supporters know, and I am particularly interested in seeing how his game develops.

He has the opportunity to learn from established senior players while continuing to gain experience himself.

Abe is another exciting prospect, while Ayman offers another option as Liverpool look to develop talent for the years ahead.

Samuel Martínez also adds an attacking midfield option to the group.

What matters now is the pathway.

Liverpool can sign expensive players from elsewhere, but there is something special about seeing a youngster develop through the club and eventually make the first team his own.

Not every prospect will make it, and that is the reality of football.

But if even a couple of these players establish themselves at Anfield, Liverpool will have gained something valuable.

The defensive options look promising too

The defensive side of this list is just as interesting.

Jérémy Jacquet has already attracted considerable attention, and Liverpool will be hoping he continues to develop into a key figure at the back.

Giovanni Leoni is another young centre-back with considerable potential, while Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye represent further options to watch as they progress.

Then there is Milos Kerkez.

At 22, he is already further along in his career than the academy prospects, but he still has plenty of development ahead of him.

And that is an important distinction.

Liverpool’s future is not dependent entirely on youngsters making the jump from the academy. It also depends on young first-team players continuing to improve and becoming reliable performers over several seasons.

If Jacquet and Leoni develop as Liverpool hope, and Kerkez continues to grow into his role, the club could have some excellent defensive building blocks.

There is no guarantee, of course.

Potential only gets you so far. The hard work begins when players have to deliver consistently at senior level.

But the ingredients are there.

Florian Wirtz shows that the future is already here

Wirtz is the oldest player on this list, but at 23 he still has many years ahead of him.

And that is what makes this group so interesting.

Liverpool are not just waiting for the next generation to arrive. They already have young players in and around the first team who can shape what the club becomes over the next few seasons.

Wirtz has the ability to become a hugely influential player for Liverpool. Kerkez is still developing, while Jacquet and Leoni have the chance to grow into important defensive options.

The club’s job is to bring all that talent together.

It is one thing having a list of promising names.

It is another building a team in which those players can flourish.

That means giving them minutes, being patient when they make mistakes and making sure they are not rushed simply because supporters are excited about their potential.

Liverpool must get the balance right

This is where Andoni Iraola has an important role to play.

Liverpool need to remain competitive now, but they also need to keep developing the players who could form the core of the team in the years ahead.

That does not mean throwing every youngster into the starting XI.

Some will need loans. Others will benefit from cup appearances, training with the senior squad or carefully managed minutes.

The important thing is that there is a genuine pathway.

Ngumoha has already shown that young players can get opportunities at Liverpool. The next challenge is helping others take their own steps forward.

And there will be setbacks along the way.

Some players will develop faster than others. Some will need more time. Others might never quite reach the level expected of them.

That is normal.

But Liverpool should keep investing in the academy and give the best prospects a real chance to prove themselves.

The future really does look red

Look through this group again.

Ngumoha. Nyoni. Abe. Wright. Brughmans. Ndukwe. Ndiaye. Leoni. Ayman. N’Guessan. Danns. Jacquet. Kerkez. Wirtz.

There is plenty of potential here, with different ages, positions and stages of development.

I am not going to pretend every name will become a Liverpool regular. Football rarely works that way.

But I do think there is reason to be optimistic.

Liverpool have exciting young players to develop, young first-team footballers to build around and an opportunity to create a squad that can compete now while preparing for the future.

That is the balance every big club should be trying to achieve.

And as a Liverpool supporter, I would love to see more of these youngsters make the step up.

Because there is nothing quite like watching a young player come through the ranks, earn his opportunity and become part of the club’s story.

The future is not guaranteed.

But there is plenty of talent for Liverpool to work with.

And yes, the future looks red.

By Jamie (The Kopite View)

I’m really pleased to see Lewis Koumas getting the recognition he deserves, and Calum Scanlon has explained exactly why his rise at Liverpool shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The Liverpool youngsters have grown up together through the academy, so Scanlon knows Koumas better than most. He has seen him in under-18s and under-21s football, trained alongside him with the first team and spent pre-season with him.

And when Scanlon was asked about Koumas earning his place in the Wales team, his answer was telling.

“If you look at his game, how he presses, his relentlessness. He’s always at it – that’s always been him. It comes as no surprise how he’s got in the team.”

That tells you a lot about the player Koumas is becoming.

Because while goals and assists will always grab the headlines, the work he does without the ball is clearly making a big impression on the people watching him every day.

Iraola wants exactly that

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about Andoni Iraola since he arrived at Liverpool is the emphasis on energy and intensity.

He wants his forwards to work for the team, press defenders and keep going even when things aren’t going their way.

Koumas seems to understand that perfectly.

Scanlon explained that Iraola loves players who work hard and counter-press, but also have the ability to contribute going forward.

For me, that is why Koumas has been able to catch the manager’s attention.

He isn’t simply waiting for the ball to arrive at his feet. He’s chasing defenders, closing passing lanes and making life uncomfortable for the opposition.

That effort can create opportunities for teammates even when Koumas himself doesn’t get a goal or an assist.

And managers notice those things.

His Tottenham performance was a big moment

Koumas gave Liverpool supporters a glimpse of what he can offer during the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.

He worked tirelessly, helped create space for others and kept putting pressure on the Spurs defence. His energy was one of the standout features of his performance, earning him a man-of-the-match award.

I thought it was an important night for him.

Not because it suddenly proved he was ready to start every week, but because it showed he could carry out the manager’s instructions at senior level.

Koumas later described his approach as playing “the Liverpool way”, saying the club has always expected its players to give everything on the pitch.

That attitude seems to have been part of his game for years.

Scanlon’s comments reinforce the idea that this isn’t a sudden change designed to impress Iraola. It is simply the player Koumas has always been.

Wales are benefiting too

Koumas’ progress isn’t limited to Liverpool.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has been giving him opportunities and has also explored using him as a centre-forward, rather than restricting him to a wide attacking role.

Bellamy has previously described Koumas as a genuine future player for Wales and believes he can have a major influence on the national team. Koumas has also scored his first senior international goal, heading home against Ghana to earn Wales a draw.

That is another encouraging step.

He’s learning different roles, gaining international experience and getting used to the demands of senior football.

And now he’s returning to Liverpool with more confidence and experience than he had at the start of the season.

There is still plenty for him to improve, of course. He needs to keep developing his end product and turn his hard work into regular contributions in front of goal.

But he’s giving himself a chance.

Liverpool have a young forward worth persevering with

I don’t want to get carried away and claim Koumas is suddenly going to become one of Liverpool’s most important players.

He’s still young, and there will be difficult days as well as good ones.

But I do like what I’m seeing.

Liverpool have spent plenty of money strengthening their attack, yet Koumas is showing that there is still room for a homegrown player who understands what the club demands.

His pressing, determination and willingness to keep going give him something valuable. If he can combine those qualities with more goals, assists and intelligent movement, he could become a very useful option for Iraola.

And the fact that Scanlon has highlighted these qualities is significant because he has known Koumas for years. He isn’t describing a player who has suddenly discovered hard work. He’s describing a trait that has always been there.

That’s what makes this rise so encouraging.

Koumas hasn’t needed to change who he is to earn his opportunity. He’s kept working, stayed relentless and taken his chance when it arrived.

Now the challenge is to keep doing it.

I’m certainly not writing him off as just another academy youngster who might struggle to make the step up. If anything, I think Koumas has given Liverpool fans a reason to keep watching his progress closely.

Sometimes the best way to impress a manager is to make sure you never give him a reason to question your effort.

And Lewis Koumas seems to understand that already.

By Jamie (The Kopite View)

I’m going to be honest. I’m starting to worry that Liverpool haven’t done enough in the transfer market this summer.

We spent a huge amount of money strengthening the squad, brought in exciting attacking talent and gave Andoni Iraola plenty to work with. But with Manchester City coming to Anfield on Sunday, two injuries have suddenly left Liverpool looking worryingly short of options up front.

Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are both ruled out.

Hugo Ekitike is also unavailable, leaving Iraola with a serious selection problem before one of Liverpool’s biggest games of the season. The manager confirmed on Friday that Isak and Gakpo would miss the City match, although neither injury was expected to be long-term.

And that leaves me asking a pretty straightforward question.

Did Liverpool do enough to prepare for exactly this sort of situation?

We spent big, so why are we short of options?

This is what frustrates me.

Liverpool invested heavily in the attack during the summer, but spending money and building a squad capable of coping with injuries are two different things.

You can have talented players everywhere, but if several of your main attacking options are unavailable at the same time, you suddenly discover how much depth you really have.

That is precisely where Liverpool find themselves.

Isak has a thigh injury after withdrawing from international duty with Sweden. Gakpo has an ankle problem after playing for the Netherlands, while Ekitike is also missing.

Those are three significant absences in the same area of the pitch.

I’m not blaming the recruitment team for players getting injured. Nobody can plan for every possible combination of injuries.

But surely one of the responsibilities of squad planning is to make sure the team doesn’t become so dependent on a handful of players that two or three absences create a crisis?

At the moment, that is exactly what seems to be happening.

Iraola is already having to think outside the box

The manager has admitted that Lewis Koumas is probably the only recognised No.9 currently available to him, although he has other options who can play in attacking positions.

Federico Chiesa has returned to training, but he has been recovering from an injury and has not had much recent playing time. Bradley Barcola, Rio Ngumoha and Victor Muñoz offer further possibilities across the front line.

That is hardly ideal preparation for Manchester City.

Koumas deserves credit for the minutes he has earned, particularly after his busy international break with Wales. He has shown promise and could now receive a huge opportunity.

But there is a difference between giving a young player minutes in a cup match and potentially asking him to lead the line against City in the Premier League.

I would love Koumas to take his chance if he starts. Imagine how good it would be if he delivered a performance that made everybody sit up and take notice.

But Liverpool shouldn’t have to rely on a youngster stepping up simply because the senior options have disappeared.

That is the concern.

The summer signings need to make a difference now

This is where I want to see the likes of Barcola and Muñoz step forward.

Barcola was brought in to give Liverpool pace, direct running and another threat across the front three. Iraola has already described him as a hugely valuable player who can operate in all three attacking positions.

Now could be the moment when that versatility really matters.

Liverpool need players who can adapt without the entire attacking structure falling apart. If Barcola can offer a genuine threat, if Muñoz can provide energy and creativity, and if Chiesa is fit enough to contribute, then perhaps the situation won’t look quite so bleak.

But that is a lot of responsibility to put on players who are still finding their feet in the team.

And against Manchester City, there won’t be much room for a slow start.

This is why squad depth matters

I keep coming back to the same point.

Liverpool aren’t just dealing with one injury. They have lost several players who would normally be involved in the attacking positions, and the timing couldn’t be much worse.

City are arriving at Anfield with a formidable team, and Liverpool need to be able to threaten them rather than simply trying to survive the afternoon.

The absence of Isak is particularly frustrating because Liverpool need his movement and finishing. Gakpo’s versatility is also valuable, especially when the manager is trying to find the right balance across the front line.

Neither is expected to be missing for an extended period, which is encouraging. But that doesn’t help Iraola on Sunday.

And the schedule won’t get any easier. Liverpool have a Champions League game and another league fixture against Brentford coming up, with very little time between matches.

That is when a deep squad should prove its worth.

Instead, Liverpool are already having to find solutions with limited preparation time.

I’m not writing Liverpool off against City

Let’s get one thing straight: Liverpool can still win this game.

Anfield can make a difference, and football doesn’t always follow the script. Barcola could have a brilliant afternoon. Koumas could seize his opportunity. Wirtz, Szoboszlai or another midfielder could provide the decisive contribution.

Iraola also deserves credit for trying to find solutions rather than making excuses.

But I don’t think we should ignore the warning signs simply because we want to remain optimistic.

The injuries are bad luck. The lack of available alternatives is the bigger question.

Liverpool have spent a fortune, and supporters are entitled to expect that investment to leave the squad better equipped to cope when things go wrong.

If two injuries and another unavailable striker leave the manager scrambling to find a centre-forward, something clearly needs examining.

I hope the players who come in prove me wrong. I hope Liverpool find a way to beat City, and I hope Isak and Gakpo return quickly.

But this weekend has highlighted a concern that won’t disappear just because the injured players recover.

Liverpool need enough reliable attacking options to cope when the inevitable happens.

We cannot expect the same few players to carry the attack all season.

And if this summer’s recruitment was supposed to give Iraola the depth he needs, then Sunday’s selection headache is an uncomfortable early test of whether Liverpool really achieved that.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could have another young defender on their radar, and this is one I find quite interesting.

The name is Peyton Miller, an 18-year-old left-sided defender playing for New England Revolution in MLS.

According to reports, Liverpool are among the clubs keeping an eye on him, with Arsenal also linked with the teenager after his impressive performances in America.

And when you look at his numbers this season, it is easy to understand why clubs are taking notice.

Seven goals and four assists. Eleven goal contributions. At just 18 years old.

Those are seriously impressive figures for a player whose main position is left-back.

Who is Peyton Miller?

Miller came through New England Revolution’s academy and made his senior debut at just 16.

He has developed quickly, becoming an important player for the MLS side and attracting attention from clubs across Europe.

He has also recently received his first senior call-up for the United States, another sign of how far he has progressed in a relatively short time.

His attacking output has been particularly eye-catching. Miller has scored seven goals and registered four assists in MLS this season, earning recognition as one of the league’s most exciting young players.

What makes those numbers even more interesting is that Miller can play at left-back or further forward on the left.

That versatility could be attractive to Liverpool.

Why would Liverpool be interested?

Let’s be honest: Liverpool could do with having options at left-back.

Milos Kerkez is still developing and adapting to life at Anfield, and there will inevitably be games when Liverpool need a different profile in that position.

Miller appears to offer plenty going forward. His pace, direct running and ability to contribute goals suggest he could fit the modern attacking full-back role.

There is an important distinction, though.

Eleven goal contributions do not automatically make someone a Premier League-ready defender.

Liverpool would need to assess his defensive positioning, one-on-one defending and how he deals with the demands of English football.

But at 18, there is time for those parts of his game to develop.

The attraction would be signing a young player with an exciting attacking skill set and the potential to grow into the role.

Liverpool aren’t the only club watching him

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs tracking Miller following his international breakthrough.

That does not mean Liverpool have made an offer or that a transfer is imminent. At this stage, the reports point to interest and monitoring rather than a completed deal.

Still, it is encouraging to see Liverpool linked with young talent who are already producing at senior level.

Miller has not simply been scoring goals in academy football. He has been contributing regularly in MLS, making a significant impact for New England and earning opportunities with the United States national team.

That gives clubs a meaningful body of senior performances to assess.

Would he be the answer at left-back?

I wouldn’t go that far just yet.

Liverpool supporters have seen how difficult it can be for a young player to make the jump into the Premier League. There is a big difference between impressing in MLS and becoming a reliable option for a club with Liverpool’s expectations.

And Miller would still need time to develop.

But I can see why the club would be interested in a player with his attacking numbers, versatility and potential.

Liverpool should always be looking for young talent before their price and reputation grow beyond reach. If the recruitment team believe Miller has the ability to become a top-level left-back, he is certainly someone worth investigating.

For now, though, I would treat this as an interesting rumour rather than anything more concrete.

An 18-year-old left-back with 11 goal contributions is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

And if Liverpool really are tracking Peyton Miller, I’ll be interested to see whether that interest develops into something more.

By Jamie (The Kopite View)

I’m really looking forward to seeing Conor Bradley back in a Liverpool shirt, but I think we need to be patient with this one.

The latest update suggests his recovery could still require more time than we would like. However, there is one detail that gives Liverpool supporters a little reason for optimism.

Bradley has been included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad, and there is still hope he could play some part before January.

That doesn’t mean his return is imminent, but it does suggest Liverpool have not completely ruled out the possibility of him contributing during the coming months.

And, with the situation at right-back still worth keeping an eye on, that would be a very welcome development.

Bradley has had a long road back

Bradley has been working his way back from a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal in January, which required surgery.

It has been a frustrating absence for a player who had become an increasingly important option for Liverpool.

Andoni Iraola provided an update in September, explaining that Bradley was still training individually and had only recently started touching the ball again.

The Liverpool manager was clear that there was still work to do before Bradley could return to team training.

That is why I wouldn’t get carried away by the latest reports.

Being able to work with the ball is a positive step, but it is not the same as being ready to train fully, let alone play a competitive match.

Bradley still needs to complete the necessary stages of his rehabilitation and rebuild his match fitness.

Liverpool cannot afford to rush him.

Why his return could be important for Iraola

I think Bradley’s return could make a real difference to Liverpool’s options.

Jeremie Frimpong offers plenty of pace and attacking threat, while Ronald Araújo has provided greater defensive security when used at right-back.

But Bradley brings something different.

He is aggressive in the challenge, willing to get forward and capable of providing the energy Liverpool need on that side of the pitch.

He also knows the club and understands what is expected of him.

For Iraola, having Bradley available again would give him another option rather than forcing him to rely on the same players throughout a demanding season.

And with Liverpool competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, squad depth matters.

I certainly wouldn’t expect Bradley to walk straight back into the starting XI after such a long absence. He would need time to get up to speed.

But having him available again would be a significant boost.

The Champions League squad detail is encouraging

The fact Bradley was included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad is worth noting.

Liverpool also included other injured players, including Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike, when submitting their squad for the league phase. The club has previously explained that such selections reflected hope that those players could contribute later in the campaign.

It is not a guarantee that Bradley will return before January, of course.

But it does leave the door open.

And if his rehabilitation progresses well over the next few weeks, Liverpool could potentially have another useful player available as the season develops.

For now, the priority has to be getting him back to full fitness rather than setting an exact date.

I’m excited to see him back – whenever that is

I have always liked Bradley’s attitude.

He doesn’t hide from a challenge, and he plays with an intensity that Liverpool supporters appreciate.

He is still young enough to have plenty of development ahead of him, too.

The worst thing would be for Liverpool to bring him back too soon, only for him to suffer another setback.

So, while I would love to see him return before January, I would rather wait a little longer and know that he is genuinely ready.

Liverpool need Conor Bradley fit, not just available.

If he can make a contribution before the turn of the year, brilliant. If his recovery takes longer, the club must give him the time he needs.

There is no point risking his longer-term future for a few extra appearances now.

For the moment, the signs offer some hope, but we should keep our expectations realistic.

Bradley still has work to do.

And when he finally returns to the pitch, I suspect Liverpool fans will be delighted to see him back where he belongs.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

This is the thing I can’t quite get my head around.

Liverpool have spent around £400m on attacking players over the last couple of transfer windows.

Alexander Isak.

Florian Wirtz.

Hugo Ekitike.

Bradley Barcola.

And yet, when Liverpool walk onto the pitch, I’m still not completely convinced where the goals are going to come from.

That sounds ridiculous when you look at the names. It probably is.

But I’m being honest: I’m still worried about Liverpool scoring enough goals.

The money isn’t the problem

Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t think Liverpool have bought bad players.

Quite the opposite.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Wirtz was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in European football before moving to Anfield. Ekitike showed enough last season to convince Liverpool to spend heavily on him, while Barcola has the pace and directness to cause defenders serious problems.

Liverpool’s squad list officially includes all four, alongside Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Rio Ngumoha and Víctor Muñoz.

So this isn’t a failure to invest. Liverpool have invested massively.

Opta Analyst estimated that the club spent around £200m on Isak and Ekitike alone, while other analysis has put Liverpool’s attacking spending at more than £400m across the wider recruitment programme.

That is why the question feels so uncomfortable.

Why doesn’t the attack feel more dangerous?

Isak is doing his bit

I’m certainly not blaming Alexander Isak.

He has scored four Premier League goals in his first five appearances, which is an excellent return. The Premier League’s statistics currently list him second in the early 2026/27 goalscoring charts, behind only Erling Haaland.

His goal at Bournemouth showed exactly why Liverpool wanted him. Gakpo did the hard work, Wirtz helped move the attack forward and Isak finished it.

One chance. One goal. Three points.

But that moment also highlighted the wider concern. Liverpool cannot keep relying on one piece of individual quality to get them through games.

Against Bournemouth, the Reds managed only six shots and created very little for long periods. Reuters described it as another match in which Liverpool’s attacking players struggled to gel.

That is not what you expect from a team with this much attacking talent.

Wirtz has to become more influential

This is probably the biggest question of all.

I’m not giving up on Florian Wirtz. Not remotely. But I do want more from him.

Liverpool spent heavily to bring him to Anfield because they believed he could become one of the most influential attacking players in Europe. So far, we have seen flashes rather than sustained control of matches.

That is frustrating because the ability is obvious.

Wirtz finds clever positions, turns away from defenders, plays the final pass and creates opportunities from nothing. Yet too often, Liverpool’s attacks seem to pass around him rather than through him.

That is something Iraola needs to solve.

If Wirtz starts consistently producing the performances Liverpool know he is capable of, the entire attack could look different. He has the quality to connect the midfield and forward line, but Liverpool need to make him central to the way they attack.

Gakpo is one of the positives

Cody Gakpo is probably the attacker I’m most encouraged by.

He has shown that he can contribute even when he isn’t scoring. Liverpool’s official statistics currently give him three goals and five assists in eight appearances in all competitions.

That is an excellent contribution.

His involvement in Isak’s Bournemouth goal was another example of what he can offer. He drove forward, caused problems and helped create the opening.

That is what Liverpool’s attack looks like when its players are aggressive: dangerous.

The problem is that those moments are not happening often enough or lasting long enough. Gakpo is providing a reliable outlet, but Liverpool need more of the team to match his level of involvement.

Maybe the problem is the system

This is where I keep coming back to Andoni Iraola.

I’m still patient with him, and I like what he is trying to do. Liverpool are becoming more aggressive and, defensively, things are beginning to look much better.

The attack, however, has not clicked.

When a team has this much individual quality, it is fair to ask whether the system is getting the best from its players.

Isak needs service. Wirtz needs freedom. Barcola needs space to attack. Gakpo needs to remain involved. The midfield must also move the ball into dangerous areas quickly enough for those players to hurt opponents.

At the moment, Liverpool have too many spells of possession without creating a genuine sense of danger. They can control the ball without controlling the game.

That is what worries me. The issue is not a lack of talent; it is the lack of a consistent attacking structure that allows that talent to combine.

The potential is ridiculous

This is what stops me from becoming overly negative.

Imagine this attack finally clicking.

Isak leading the line. Gakpo attacking from one side. Barcola running at defenders from the other. Wirtz finding pockets of space behind them.

Then you have Szoboszlai, Mac Allister or Gravenberch supplying them.

That is serious attacking talent.

I don’t think Liverpool need another £100m forward. I don’t think the answer is necessarily another signing. They have already spent enough.

Now Iraola has to make the pieces fit.

That is probably the biggest challenge facing him: not finding more quality, but creating the conditions in which the quality already at the club can work together.

Because £400m should buy you goals

That is the uncomfortable truth.

You can talk about patience, new players adapting, injuries and the demands of working under a new manager. All of those factors are legitimate.

But eventually Liverpool have to start looking like a team capable of scoring regularly.

The money has been spent. The talent is there. The supporters are waiting.

And I’m one of them.

I don’t want Liverpool to become a team that wins 1-0 every week because the defence keeps everybody out. I’ll happily take the points, obviously, but with these attacking players, I want to see some bloody goals.

I want to see Isak getting chances. I want Wirtz running games. I want Barcola frightening full-backs. I want Gakpo continuing to be one of our most productive players.

Most of all, I want Iraola to find a way of getting them to work together.

Liverpool haven’t spent £400m on attackers to become a team that scrapes narrow victories.

We’ve bought the players to blow teams away.

I’m still waiting to see it.

And that is why, despite all the money and all the talent, I’m still worried about where Liverpool’s goals are coming from.

Jamie (The Kopite View)