ReactionLewis Koumas: Happy to score - I try to take my chances and catch the eye

The Wales international forward wrapped up the scoring as Andoni Iraola’s first game at the helm of the Reds ended in a 4-2 win.

Kieran Morrison had put Liverpool ahead early on at GEODIS Park in Nashville on Saturday, only for the Black Cats to respond either side of half-time.

But Iraola’s men stamped their authority and secured victory through strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and then Koumas.

Multiple changes were deployed at the interval and during the second period on the Reds’ maiden outing of the summer.

“It was good,” Koumas, who was introduced from the bench at half-time, told Liverpoolfc.com post-match.

“It’s the first minutes for the lads this season, so we’re just looking to keep training and working hard.

“It was tough, it’s everyone’s first game back. We’ve been off for a while and we’re trying to adapt to the new style with the new gaffer.

“It’s just the first 45 in the tank for everyone.”

Asked about being on the scoresheet wearing the Liverpool shirt again, the 20-year-old added: “You don’t get many chances, especially at this level. So, I just tried to take it and it went in.

“So, yeah, [really] happy.”

Koumas had spoken earlier in the week of his belief that his own attributes are well-suited to head coach Iraola’s preferred style of play.

He is aiming to continue to show evidence of that conviction, aided along the way by the boss’ instructions.

“Yeah, he has a really aggressive style and he loves to press,” said Koumas.

“I think I can do that well and I think I can do it for him. So, hopefully it catches the eye.

“There was no sort of ‘well done’ [from Iraola post-match], it was just talking about how I can get better at pressing. Because there was a time where I wanted to jump straight through but it would have affected the way we want to press, so he just tried to give me more information straight away.

“I think it’s going to help my development and help me become a better player, so ultimately it’s better.”

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Koumas is back at the Reds after a loan spell with Hull City during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign that culminated in promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.

Having been used in several different attacking positions in his progression to the senior ranks over recent years at club level and with Wales, he hopes that versatility can be beneficial.

“I’d do anything to be on the pitch for Liverpool, ultimately,” he said.

“I think I’m definitely most effective as a nine, central, because I can run both ways. But off the wing, right, left, in the 10 or as a nine, I don’t mind.”