Lewis Koumas Targets Liverpool Breakthrough After Sunderland Goal

Lewis Koumas has made his intention clear at the start of Liverpool’s summer programme. After finding the net in the 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland, the 20-year-old forward is determined to build momentum and strengthen his case under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

The Wales international came off the bench at half-time in Nashville and added Liverpool’s fourth goal, rounding off a positive opening outing of the summer. It was a useful moment for a player returning to the club after a productive loan spell at Hull City, and one that offered an early indication of how he hopes to fit into Iraola’s demands.

Koumas said: “It was good. It’s the first minutes for the lads this season, so we’re just looking to keep training and working hard.

“It was tough, it’s everyone’s first game back. We’ve been off for a while and we’re trying to adapt to the new style with the new gaffer.

“It’s just the first 45 in the tank for everyone.”

Koumas responds in key Liverpool pre-season moment

Liverpool had taken an early lead through Kieran Morrison before Sunderland hit back either side of the interval. From there, Iraola’s side asserted themselves, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Federico Chiesa restoring control before Koumas completed the scoring.

For a young attacker competing for visibility in a strong squad, the goal carried obvious value. Koumas acknowledged as much, saying: “You don’t get many chances, especially at this level. So, I just tried to take it and it went in.

“So, yeah, [really] happy.”

That instinct to seize the moment will be important in the weeks ahead. Pre-season can shape early perceptions, especially under a newly appointed head coach assessing options across several positions. Koumas knows the window to impress can be narrow, and contributions like this help.

Andoni Iraola style suits Lewis Koumas

There is also a tactical angle that appears encouraging for the player. Koumas believes Iraola’s aggressive, front-foot approach can suit his own game, particularly in and out of possession. Pressing intensity is central to the new regime, and the forward appears eager to embrace it fully.

He said: “Yeah, he has a really aggressive style and he loves to press.

“I think I can do that well and I think I can do it for him. So, hopefully it catches the eye.

“There was no sort of ‘well done’ [from Iraola post-match], it was just talking about how I can get better at pressing. Because there was a time where I wanted to jump straight through but it would have affected the way we want to press, so he just tried to give me more information straight away.

“I think it’s going to help my development and help me become a better player, so ultimately it’s better.”

That feedback is revealing. Rather than dwelling on the finish, the focus moved immediately to structure, timing and collective pressing mechanics. For a coach implementing a new model, those details matter, and for Koumas, it offers a clear development pathway.

Versatility could aid Liverpool pathway

Koumas returns from Hull with senior experience and promotion momentum behind him. He has also operated across the front line, a trait that may increase his usefulness over the coming months. He appears open to any role that brings opportunity.

As noted in the original interview, he said: “I’d do anything to be on the pitch for Liverpool, ultimately.

“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.”

That flexibility, coupled with his willingness to press and learn, gives him a realistic platform. Iraola’s first weeks will be about setting standards, and Koumas has started by doing what young forwards need to do, taking a chance and making sure he is noticed.