Liverpool have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Spaniard to become the club's new head coach
Andoni Iraola has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take over at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Incoming Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has been told he already has a potential new weapon at Anfield after Wales manager Craig Bellamy declared Lewis Koumas could become a "huge asset" as a centre-forward.
Reports on Tuesday evening claimed Liverpool had reached a verbal agreement with Iraola to become the club's new head coach following the departure of Arne Slot, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days.
And as the Spaniard prepares to take charge, Bellamy has delivered a glowing assessment of one of Liverpool's brightest young talents following Wales' 1-1 draw with Ghana in Cardiff.
Koumas scored his first senior international goal after coming off the bench, continuing an impressive rise which has seen the 20-year-old emerge as one of Wales' most exciting prospects.
Although the Liverpool academy graduate has spent much of his young career operating on the left wing, Bellamy believes his long-term future lies through the middle.
"[He is a] nine because we don't really have any nines coming through and we do have a lot of wingers, brilliant wingers," Bellamy said.
"He could definitely be a huge asset for us on the wing but, due to our lack of nines coming through the system, we've used him a lot in training that way and he's really been electric.
"There's a lot to like about Koomy. He's such a young player and I'm over the moon he got his goal because he's deserved it."
Lewis Koumas of Wales celebrates scoring a goal (Image: Huw Evans)
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The comments could be of particular interest to Liverpool as they assess Koumas' development ahead of next season.
The son of former Wales international Jason Koumas has spent the last two campaigns gaining valuable senior experience away from Anfield. After a loan spell with Stoke City, he spent the second half of last season at Hull City, helping the Tigers secure promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
While Koumas has traditionally been viewed as a wide forward, Bellamy believes Wales' shortage of natural strikers has highlighted another side to his game.
"We started him [as a centre-forward] against Northern Ireland, I thought he was OK," Bellamy added.
"When he came on today, he needs to be a little bit tidier but that's normal.
"I see him as a real future player for Wales who's going to have a big say. I'm delighted for him."
Liverpool's first-team pathway has become increasingly important in recent years, with youngsters regularly earning opportunities under previous managers.
Whether Koumas is viewed as part of Iraola's immediate plans remains to be seen, but Bellamy's verdict suggests the new Liverpool boss could have a versatile attacking option on his hands.
With Wales blessed with wide players such as Daniel James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Sorba Thomas, Bellamy believes Koumas' route to becoming a key figure for his country may ultimately come through the middle.