Lewis Koumas has paid tribute to Liverpool 'legend' Steven Gerrard after it emerged that the young striker had matched the former skipper's feat with his performance against LASK in the Champions League during the week. It follows a second consecutive start across all competitions for the academy product, who has been deputising as centre forward in the absence of first-team regulars such as Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo.
Koumas' Impact and Goal Drought
Throughout his appearances this season, the Welsh international has brought an infectious energy to the side, demonstrating his willingness to chase and press opponents with his blistering pace and evident determination to make his mark. Having grown up supporting Liverpool, Koumas has channelled that passion from the terraces onto the pitch, endearing himself to the Anfield faithful in the process.
The key factor that will elevate the 21-year-old from a squad player to a nailed-on starter, however, is whether he can translate his all-round performances into tangible output. In six appearances, the forward had yet to find the net, despite being presented with several opportunities.
Record-Equalling Performance
He finally put that record straight in the Champions League clash with LASK, getting on the scoresheet in a 6-3 victory, while also providing an assist in the same match. The achievement made Koumas only the second 21-year-old to both score and assist in a Champions League fixture, with Gerrard having been the first to accomplish the feat during the earlier stages of his illustrious career.
"It's not a bad stat, is it?" the youngster told The Telegraph, having asked if the statistic was true. "It's not a bad name to be alongside. Wow! What a legend. I just want more of this. Yes [he is loving how things are going] but this is also my job. I need to get goals and assists, I hadn't had any before Linz."
"So it was really important to get them. Oh my God, I would have been gutted if the game had ended [without a goal, after having two ruled out for offside]. I just kept going because I knew the more the game was going on, it was opening up and I was just focused on getting the right connection. Going over to the fans at the end meant absolutely everything."
Fan Connection and Next Steps
"They are the reason we do this and that we want this sort of job. They mean everything to us. I wish I could have got in there with them but there was a big metal cage in my way." It is precisely this kind of reaction that truly endears Koumas to the Liverpool faithful, who have already witnessed his determination and tireless effort on the pitch, and whose response to such an accomplishment mirrors that of any devoted supporter.
Whether he will be handed a starting berth in the forthcoming clash with Brentford remains to be seen, with doubts persisting over the fitness of both Isak and Gakpo. Should he be available, however, the away end will know precisely what to expect from the young forward.
