Lewis Koumas has made a strong start on loan at Stoke City, quickly becoming a standout player at the bet365 Stadium with some impressive performances.
The 18-year-old Koumas has had an eventful year, making his senior debuts for Liverpool and Wales, netting his first goal at Anfield, and securing a new long-term contract.
His success has continued into his loan spell with Stoke City in the Championship. The forward has scored twice and provided an assist in five appearances, capturing the attention of fans with his dynamic play across the attack.
Koumas first made an impression on Liverpool fans in February, when Jurgen Klopp gave him his debut in the FA Cup fifth round against Southampton. He didn’t shy away from the occasion, scoring in a 3-0 victory and showcasing his considerable potential.
Since then, Koumas has also debuted for Wales, earning his third cap last Friday with an 18-minute appearance in the 0-0 Nations League draw against Turkey.
To get insights into Koumas’ performance at Stoke, Liverpool.com spoke with Pete Smith, Stoke City reporter for the Stoke Sentinel. Smith praised Koumas’ early impact at the bet365 Stadium.
What are your initial thoughts on Lewis Koumas at Stoke City?
“He’s hit the ground running, sharp and confident, quick and skillful. From his debut in the Carabao Cup at Carlisle, he was eager to take on defenders and shoot. He’s played across the frontline—on the left, right, and centrally—scoring a couple of well-taken goals and potentially could have scored more. It’s been a very promising start.”
Have any strengths or weaknesses been evident in his early performances?
“His pace, both on and off the ball, is particularly exciting. Last weekend at Plymouth, he had a moment reminiscent of Thierry Henry vs. Jamie Carragher, sprinting past his full-back to create a chance. He likes to shoot early and gets into dangerous positions. He’s working on building his stamina to maintain his impact throughout the game.”
How have the fans reacted to him?
“It’s easy to get excited about a dynamic forward like Koumas. He’s become a topic of much discussion, especially after scoring in a home defeat to West Brom, where he could have had a hat-trick on another day.”
Do you foresee him being a key player and regular starter, or will he need to be patient?
“The forward line is well-stocked, so it will be interesting to see how it all evolves. There’s optimism around Bae Junho and Million Manhoef, both promising young talents, and Tom Cannon, the Everton youth player on loan from Leicester. However, it’s clear Koumas will see plenty of action this season. While he may not play every minute, he has the potential to make a significant impact.”
What are Stoke’s goals for this season, and how crucial is Koumas to their success?
“Stoke has been in the bottom half of the league for six years since Premier League relegation, so the goal is to break out of that pattern this season. Staying in the top half would open up possibilities, as the competition between teams from third to 18th is tight.
Players who can deliver moments of individual brilliance could be crucial, and Koumas might just be one of those players. The squad has undergone significant changes over the summer, becoming much younger, and there’s a palpable excitement among the players. The season should be an exciting one.”
Many Liverpool fans will be hoping to get their first glimpse of the impact the club’s new signings can make as preseason for the club begins in earnest.
Doak, who was a key member of the first-team squad at the age of just 17 last season, will look to improve once more this time around in order to secure more senior appearances.
