Danny Murphy believes Lewis Koumas has been given a huge vote of confidence by Andoni Iraola after the Liverpool manager decided against sending the Wales youngster out on loan.
Koumas has impressed during loan spells at Stoke City, Birmingham City and Hull City, and has also emerged as a really promising player for Wales. The 21-year-old was initially expected to continue his development away from the Premier League giants, but new Liverpool boss Iraola has instead kept him around his first-team squad.
Murphy: A massive compliment
Former Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that decision represents a major compliment to Koumas and could prove hugely beneficial to his development.
“Not sending him out on loan is a massive compliment for Lewis Koumas,” Murphy told Snabbare.
“He'll be skipping around the place, because when a first-team manager sees something in you, tells the world, puts you in the squad, and gives you time on the pitch, all of a sudden you feel like a million dollars.
“So it's great for the lad. I think he's worked tremendously hard to keep progressing to get to this level. We've seen glimpses of him, and you wouldn't be at that level if you didn't have quality.”
Energy and tenacity
Murphy believes one of the biggest attractions for Liverpool boss Iraola is the energy and determination Koumas brings.
“But that endless, boundless energy and tenacity he has is something Iraola's a big fan of,” he added.
“I also think it's really healthy for any club to have one or two young lads in and around it who are learning and connecting with the fans, because Liverpool for a long time have always had local lads or lads from the Academy coming through who understand what the club means, which he does.
“So I'm really pleased for him. I think it's a good move.”
Foden comparison
Murphy accepts there is no guarantee Koumas will remain a regular feature as the season progresses, particularly with the embarrassment of riches Liverpool have at the top end of the pitch.
However, the Match of the Day pundit cited Man City and England star Phil Foden as an example of being patient with a player and keeping him around the first-team setup.
“In time he might not get as much game time, we'll have to wait and see, but the experience he's getting from being around quality players helps,” Murphy said.
“Remember the argument years ago with Foden?
“Foden was a superstar kid, and there was talk he shouldn't go out on loan.
“Loans are beneficial, of course, but maybe right now, being around the quality Liverpool have might help him more than playing somewhere else. It's great news for Wales as well.”
