InterviewHow Lewis Koumas was kept on his toes by Andoni Iraola in 'kick-on year'
Andoni Iraola decided in the first week of pre-season that Lewis Koumas was very much part of his plans going forward.
But the Liverpool attacker, who turns 21 on Saturday, had no idea of that at the time.
"I was definitely still on my toes!" he tells Liverpoolfc.com. "I think it was sort of towards the end of the pre-season trip in America where I got the hint that I was going to be staying. It was a good feeling.
"My intentions were definitely to try to impress the manager, of course, I think that's what we all want to do.
"It was sort of a kick-on year for me, so I knew that it was going to matter a lot. A new manager, obviously a great opportunity and it looks OK so far.
"Obviously it's been a bit of a crazy two weeks, Premier League and Champions League debut, but I'm just really happy with how it's going so far."
Koumas has appeared off the bench against Newcastle United, Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid so far in 2026-27.
Explaining his admiration for the Wales international, Iraola highlighted his versatility and selfless, full-throttle attitude.
"I think that's just the sort of player that I am," Koumas continues. "I know what it means to play for Liverpool. So when I'm on the pitch, I'm going to try to leave everything out there every time.
"I think I can impact games, definitely. I think the fans have just seen one side of the way I can impact the game, pressing around.
"But I can also add a lot of quality to the game, I can finish, I can run in behind, I've got pace. I'm just looking to show those things now."
Koumas displayed a glimpse of his goalscoring instincts on his first appearance for Liverpool at senior level two-and-a-half years ago.
Aged 18 years and 162 days, the Academy product opened the scoring in an Emirates FA Cup tie with Southampton at Anfield.
His development since then has been aided by loan spells in the Championship at Stoke City, Birmingham City and Hull City.
"I think the difference is massive," Koumas believes. "I'm a lot more mature, I know what the game needs, I understand ultimately men's football now.
"I think that the last two years have been crucial in my development."
Koumas is hoping to play in his fifth competitive game for Liverpool on Tuesday night, when Tottenham Hotspur visit in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
In a busy part of the calendar for Iraola's side, the No.67 is determined to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.
"I think any time you're on the pitch for Liverpool, you can't take it for granted," he says. "Because with the quality around you, you don't know whether it's going to be your last.
"So, to leave everything out there every game and try to affect it as much as I can is the plan.
"I feel ready, I feel good every day. I'm maximising my recovery as much as I can after the training sessions and the games. So, [I'm] just always ready."
Koumas was part of the last Liverpool squad that lifted the League Cup, back in February 2024 with an extra-time victory over Chelsea in the Wembley final.
He finishes: "[My medal] is in a frame on the wall. It was the first thing I did. It was crazy being there, to be honest, and getting a medal was just a really nice touch.
"I think all the players we had on the pitch were so young and how well they'd done was just really, really inspiring.
"I think we're definitely setting out to win trophies this season, so hopefully that's what we can do."