Lewis Koumas has underlined his claim to be a genuine No. 9 option for Liverpool this season after reaffirming that it is his best position.
The versatile Reds academy graduate - who is the son of former Wales international Jason Koumas - has impressed in pre-season.
Lewis Koumas of Liverpool celebrates his goal during the second half of the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Sunderland3
Koumas has been auditioning for a backup role to Isak at his boyhood club
Koumas, who arrived at the Anfield academy set-up from Tranmere Rovers at U11 level, made his professional debut under Jurgen Klopp.
The 20-year-old scored on his first senior appearance in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton in 2024.
He signed a long-term deal that summer but was loaned to Stoke City, where he managed three goals in 43 league appearances.
Last season, Koumas spent the first-half of the campaign with Championship club Birmingham City, yet was recalled in January.
He then helped Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League, albeit without playing a minute in the Wembley final win.
During his time away from Liverpool, Koumas has deputised across the attack on both wings and even in the No.10 role as well.
However, he scored in Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly against Sunderland while leading the attack, which is also where he was entrusted to play from the start in the 1-0 win over Wrexham.
With Hugo Ekitike a long-term absentee, Jayden Danns still sidelined and Alexander Isak coming off the back of an injury-hit year, there is a strong case for Koumas to force his way into Andoni Iraola's thinking.
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Lewis Koumas on his best position
Speaking to The Redmen TV after Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Leeds United, Koumas was asked whether he has a preferred position.
Liverpool's English striker Lewis Koumas in pre-season win over Sunderland3
Wales international Koumas scored in Iraola's first unofficial match in charge
"I think I can play off the left, off the right, in the ten or as a striker," the 12-cap Wales international told reporters in the USA.
"I think that's one of my attributes and why I've played under so many managers out on loan as well.
"But I think personally I'm best off the left or as a nine.
"As a nine, I can run both sides, make more runs in behind and press more. I think that's where I'm best."
On how his game suits Iraola's style of play, Koumas added: "I think what he's trying to imply into the team - I think I have the attributes to do what he wants with energy and runs in behind.
"So yeah, just see what happens next."
Zak Vyner 26 of Wrexham is challenged by Lewis Koumas 67 of Liverpool3
Koumas has been trialled in roles all around attacking midfield and in forward areas in his young career
“I’d do anything to be on the pitch for Liverpool, ultimately,” Koumas previously told the club’s website after the win over Sunderland.
“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.”
Andoni Iraola reaction
Koumas had his first setback of pre-season against Leeds, having come on at half-time with Liverpool 2-0 up, with the game ultimately finishing in a 4-2 defeat.
He didn't manage a shot on target and only had one touch in the opposition box and one big chance missed in his 45-minute outing.
Yet Iraola didn't publicly hold any player responsible for the collapse, saying post-match: "I think we learn a lot of things.
"Obviously it's not the result you want, but I think [it was] probably the most useful friendly we played – in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half.
"I think we've learned a lot from today, and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things."