I have to say, Lewis Koumas is becoming a really interesting player for Liverpool.
The 21-year-old has already caught the eye at club level this season, and now he is starting to show that he can make an impact on the international stage as well.
Koumas started up front for Wales against Portugal in Lisbon and, despite Craig Bellamy’s side eventually losing 1-0, the Liverpool youngster came away with plenty of credit.
In fact, WalesOnline gave Koumas a 7/10 rating and named him their Star Man.
Their assessment was particularly encouraging:
“Led the line with a maturity which belies his 21 years. Koumas showed real strength against a physical Portugal defence, worked tirelessly and was willing to run beyond the back line.”
That is quite a compliment when you consider the opposition.
Koumas Wasn’t Intimidated By Portugal
Portugal are hardly the easiest team to face.
There were some seriously experienced players on the pitch, and Wales knew they were going to have to work extremely hard without the ball while trying to create opportunities themselves.
Koumas didn’t hide.
He led the line, battled against a physical defence and continually tried to make runs in behind.
That is something I really like about him.
He’s not simply waiting for the ball to come to his feet.
He’s prepared to run.
He’s prepared to fight.
And he’s prepared to put himself into positions where defenders have to make decisions.
Wales eventually lost 1-0 to a João Félix goal, but the official Football Association of Wales report also highlighted Koumas’ impressive performance.
Liverpool Might Have Another Option
This is where it gets particularly interesting for me as a Liverpool supporter.
Koumas has traditionally been associated more with playing from the left, but Wales boss Craig Bellamy has increasingly looked at him as a centre-forward.
Bellamy previously explained that Wales have plenty of options out wide but don’t have the same depth at centre-forward, which is one reason he has been developing Koumas in that position.
And now we’re seeing the benefit of that experimentation.
Koumas is developing an ability to play different roles across the front line.
That could become extremely valuable at Liverpool.
Especially when you consider the current injury situation.
He’s Already Been Showing Signs At Liverpool
This isn’t simply one good international performance.
Koumas has already been making an impression around Liverpool this season.
Recent reports have highlighted how quickly he has caught the attention of Andoni Iraola, while his performances have also earned praise from people within Welsh football.
We’ve already seen flashes of what he can offer.
He’s direct.
He’s energetic.
He wants to attack defenders.
And perhaps most importantly, he doesn’t look frightened of senior football.
That’s something you cannot teach.
There are young players who need months or even years before they look comfortable at the highest level.
Koumas seems to have that natural belief that he belongs.
Could This Change His Liverpool Role?
This is the question I’m starting to ask.
Liverpool have some huge attacking names in the squad.
Isak.
Gakpo.
Wirtz.
Barcola.
And there are still players working their way back from injury.
But football seasons are long, and opportunities inevitably appear.
When they do, players have to take them.
Koumas is beginning to show that he might be ready to do exactly that.
And if Iraola sees what Wales are seeing, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get more opportunities to watch him in a Liverpool shirt.
I’m not suggesting he suddenly becomes a guaranteed starter.
Far from it.
But I really want to see more of him.
The Most Encouraging Part
For me, the most encouraging thing about the Portugal performance wasn’t even the rating.
It was the description of his performance.
Maturity. Strength. Work rate. Runs beyond the defence.
Those are exactly the qualities you want from a young forward trying to establish himself.
And he’s doing it against international opposition rather than simply dominating youth football.
Koumas is now 21.
He’s not a kid anymore.
He’s entering the stage of his career where he needs meaningful first-team football and opportunities to prove himself.
The signs are very encouraging.
Liverpool Fans Should Keep An Eye On Him
There is still plenty for Koumas to learn.
But that’s the exciting part.
He is already showing enough to suggest there could be a serious player developing here.
And if he can continue combining his technical ability with the physicality and maturity he showed against Portugal, Liverpool may have another attacking option developing right under their noses.
I absolutely love seeing young players come through at Liverpool.
And Koumas is giving us another reason to get excited.
He didn’t get on the scoresheet against Portugal.
Wales didn’t get the result.
But being named Star Man against Portugal at just 21 is another little reminder that Lewis Koumas is knocking on the door.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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