Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has revealed that he made his feelings clear about Lewis Koumas almost immediately after taking charge — telling the club that the young forward should stay at Anfield for the entire season.
Koumas, 20, is a product of Liverpool’s academy and has previously gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Stoke City, Birmingham City and Hull City. However, his opportunities at Liverpool were extremely limited under former manager Arne Slot, who did not give him a single appearance during his time in charge.
That situation changed after Iraola replaced Slot. Rather than allowing Koumas to leave again, the new Liverpool boss quickly identified him as a player capable of contributing to the first team.
Iraola explained that one of the biggest reasons for wanting to keep Koumas is his versatility. The Liverpool boss believes the Wales international can operate effectively in four different attacking positions — No.7, No.9, No.10 and No.11.
That flexibility could prove extremely important for Liverpool over a long and demanding season, particularly with the Reds competing in the Premier League and Champions League.
“The first week I was here, I already told the club that he was staying all the season,” Iraola said.
The manager also praised Koumas’ attitude in training, his ability to score goals and the experience he has gained from playing regularly in the Championship.
Iraola does not believe Koumas is the finished product, though. He acknowledged that the youngster still has areas of his game to develop, but he clearly feels that the player is already ready to contribute at senior level.
And Koumas has started getting that opportunity.
He made his Premier League debut against Newcastle United, coming off the bench, before making his Champions League debut against Atlético Madrid at Anfield. His involvement represents a significant change from the situation he faced under Slot.
What appears to impress Iraola most is Koumas’ willingness to do whatever the team needs. The manager highlighted his ability to contribute both when Liverpool are winning and when they are chasing a result.
The youngster also understands that football is not simply about scoring goals. Iraola wants him to know when to receive the ball, when to attack space for teammates, and when to contribute without possession.
That tactical understanding appears to be one of the reasons Iraola has decided that keeping Koumas is more valuable than sending him out on another loan.
A fresh opportunity under Iraola
For Koumas, the arrival of Iraola could therefore represent a major turning point in his Liverpool career.
Under Slot, he struggled to break into the senior side. Under Iraola, however, he has already been given opportunities and has the backing of a manager who specifically intervened to prevent him from leaving.
Liverpool supporters will now be hoping that the decision pays off.
With the manager viewing Koumas as a four-position attacking option, the academy graduate could become an increasingly useful squad player as the season progresses.
Iraola’s decision also sends a strong message to Liverpool’s academy players: perform well, show the right attitude and you will get an opportunity.
The manager has clearly seen something in Koumas that convinced him almost immediately that the youngster deserved to remain at Anfield.
