It was a memorable weekend for Luis Koumas. The 18-year-old, son of former Wales international Jason, was named in the Premier League squad for the first time against Burnley on Saturday amid Liverpool’s injury crisis. Although it didn’t go any further, it was a valuable reference point for the striker.
23 hours later he was named in Liverpool’s Under-21 starting line-up against Stoke City. In familiar surroundings, he showed exactly why Jurgen Klopp called him to his big call in the first place.He scored against the Potters, scoring well after heading home Calum Scanlon’s long ball to equalize for the Young Reds.
He entered the penalty area, stopped the opposing team, then beat the goalkeeper.After the break, he met Jayden Dance’s cross to complete the win. His incisive one-on-one finish after getting in behind the defense gave the Stoke keeper no chance.Koumas has now scored seven goals in seven Premier League 2 games this season, taking his total for the under-21s this season to 10 goals in 15 games.
Add two games for the Under-18s and he has scored 15 goals in 20 games at academy level. Not bad for a player who was reborn as a striker by scoring four goals against Middlesbrough U-18s on the opening day of last season and then played as a midfielder. However, the 18-year-old, who was a center forward last year, is now deployed as a left winger.
But the change in role has done little to get the goals flowing, he has scored four goals in his last three PL2 games since the start of the year. He combines pace and trickery and it’s easy to see why he can be a headache for young right-backs. Whether linking up with the midfielders and left-backs or dropping inside to partner Dunnes, he remains a player to watch. After spending pre-season with the first team, he made two appearances for Klopp’s first team.
He now regularly poses for pictures at senior level and was name-checked by his manager after last month’s FA Cup win against Norwich City. At the time, he said, “I don’t know some of the (backup players) yet.” “As you probably know, they haven’t been on the field with us yet, but there’s more to come.“Bobby Clarke missed today’s game and I think he’s done really well in the last few games. Trey (Nyoni) and Dancy (Jaden Dunns), especially the under 18s. (Lewis) Kumas.
There are a lot of really good players coming out. Yeah, I’d say the Academy is having a good time on the production side. very good.”If he fails to make his big debut in Germany before he leaves in the summer, the youngster will be hoping to impress Liverpool’s next manager this summer.While his scoring prowess may have flown under the radar compared to the Dunns this season, it’s worth noting that the majority of his efforts have come at Under-21 level.
After a smooth transition over the last six months, the next step is imminent: his debut with the Reds. Dunnes delivers again, but with a difference.BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing’s Joan Clifton feared her career would be over if she was diagnosed. Dans will have been a bit upset as the under-21s left the field after their win over Stoke. The former Crystal Palace midfielder’s son, Neil, had several outstanding opportunities but failed to get on the scoresheet. In fact, this feeling is rare this season. After scoring 21 goals in 21 games at academy level, he has scored three of six goals at under-21 level and has been a starter for Barry Lutas’ side since the start of the year.
After scoring in his first two PL2 starts, he failed to maintain his 100% record against Stoke. However, he still provided the young Reds’ third goal and provided an outstanding assist. It was his no-look pass on Kumasi’s second play of the afternoon. Like the Welshman, the 18-year-old was recently named by Klopp following the aforementioned win over Norwich and has been training with the first team in recent weeks. He has shown some progress in recent weeks, making the full transition from under-18 to under-21.
