Andoni Iraola sang the praises of Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas in a TNT Sports interview with club legend Steven Gerrard when asked what young player can help the Reds
Andoni Iraola
Steven Gerrard sat down with Andoni Iraola for a TNT interview (Image: X/TNT Sports)
New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola is making the rounds with prominent ex-Reds in the media, having sat down with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports last week before chatting with Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports this week.
The longtime Liverpool midfielder asked the Spanish if there was anyone who "jumped out" of the team by surprise, whom he thinks can "help" the first team straightaway. Iraola named two players — Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas – and waxed poetic about the ladder.
“In terms of young players, Trey Nyoni (unused substitut) is an incredible player," the Spanish manager said. Then he spoke about Koumas, who he handed a Premier League debut last Sunday against Newcastle, a 2-2 draw.
"Lewis Koumas, I think, is gonna be a big help for us," Iraola told Gerrard. "He can play basically everywhere in the attacking position. I think we need this kind of [player]….I love his attitude."
The Welsh 20-year-old played primarily on the left wing last season across loan spells with Birmingham City and Hull City in the English Championship.
Koumas saw action both through the left and at center-forward for Liverpool in the preseason, extending his versatility in hopes of earning coveted minutes this season.
“We’re definitely keeping him this season. I like what I’m seeing from him, and he will get opportunities," Iraola said of the Liverpool academy product during preseason.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola (R) handed Lewis Koumas his Premier League debut last Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
"Koumas was excellent in the first half. His energy is exactly what I want from a winger. His one-v-one ability, movement, and crossing are very good. He gives us another dimension”
Koumas scored four goals across all appearances last year. He scored six and assisted three with Stoke City on loan during the 2024/25 Championship season.
The year before, Jurgen Klopp handed Koumas his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup, and the Welshman responded with a goal in a 3-0 home win over Southampton.
He revealed that he was "emotional" after receiving his Premier League debut. “This is the peak. It’s quite emotional, to be honest," he told Liverpool.com.
"Now that it’s finally happened, it just takes me back to the very first moments where it was my mum sacrificing absolutely everything to get me to any session I could be at."
Koumas also shared what Iraola asked of him for his 12-minute cameo. "It was just to add energy, add runs in behind and try to make something happen – and then happily we did that in the end," he shared.