Koumas Makes Liverpool History in 6-3 LASK Win

Koumas makes Liverpool history in 6-3 Champions League win at LASK

Lewis Koumas became the youngest Liverpool player to score and assist in a Champions League game as the Reds beat LASK 6-3 in Linz on Wednesday. Bradley Barcola also scored a hat-trick for Liverpool, who secured a dominant victory.

Competition: Champions League
Venue: Raiffeisen Arena, Linz
Score: LASK 3-6 Liverpool
Liverpool hat-trick hero: Bradley Barcola
Record: Koumas youngest Liverpool player to score and assist in Champions League, surpassing Steven Gerrard (2001)
Next fixture: Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday

What was said

"Is that official? It's not a bad stat, is it? And it's not a bad name to be alongside. Wow. What a legend. I just want more of this."
— Lewis Koumas, on being told he surpassed Steven Gerrard's record

"This is my job. I need to get goals and assists. I hadn't had any before Linz so it was really important to get them."
— Lewis Koumas

"It was probably the best feeling in my career, 100%. I'm just really grateful to have the opportunity again. I would not have been a happy man [if I didn't score], I would have been gutted. I just kept going because I knew the more the game was going on, it was opening up. Going over to the fans at the end meant absolutely everything. They are the reason we do this and that we want this job. I wish I could have got in there with them, but there was a big metal cage in the way!"
— Lewis Koumas

"I couldn't really sleep [on Sunday]. I just kept thinking about the chance all night. I feel like I couldn't have hit it any better. The keeper is huge and he was just in the right place and I think in normal circumstances it goes in."
— Lewis Koumas, on missing a chance against Manchester City

"You never know when your last game is going to be. I know that sounds like a cliche, but it is true. I have got to keep pushing, every chance I get."
— Lewis Koumas

"You see Koumas with the first team and the energy he brings to the front line - that's from being in the academy, and Will has a similar identity. We have a manager who has come in and has an identity about how he wants to play which suits a lot of the players. And they've seen a pathway there now: Rio [Ngumoha], Trey [Nyoni] and now Koumas. My message was 'where is the next one coming from? So go and show the manager what you are capable of doing'."
— Rob Page, Liverpool academy boss

"We are getting chances but, ultimately, it is because we are good enough. Trey and Rio are unbelievable and, if you're good enough it doesn't matter how old you are."
— Lewis Koumas

"Hopefully that is the case and that's how I would love it to go, but you just have to keep working hard, keep my head down and doing what the gaffer asks of me and make it last as long as we can."
— Lewis Koumas, on whether academy graduates becoming first-team regulars could be the norm

Koumas's humility and determination shine through. He acknowledges the fleeting nature of opportunities and the need to seize every moment. His record-breaking feat, surpassing Steven Gerrard, is a testament to his potential, but he remains focused on contributing to the team's success.

Koumas seizes chance amid injury crisis

With Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike all injured, Lewis Koumas has started two consecutive games for Liverpool. He made his first Premier League start against Manchester City on Sunday, nearly scoring, and followed it up with a historic performance against LASK. His energy and goal threat have impressed manager Andoni Iraola, who described his playing style as "contagious" after a man-of-the-match display against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.

Koumas's journey from loan spells at Stoke, Birmingham, and Hull to the first team is a feel-good story. He joined Liverpool at age 11 and scored on his debut as an 18-year-old under Jurgen Klopp. Now 21, he is making the most of his opportunity, becoming the youngest Liverpool player to score and assist in the Champions League, breaking a record held by Steven Gerrard since 2001.

His performances have also inspired the academy, with 18-year-old Will Wright scoring a hat-trick for the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League. The pathway from academy to first team is clear, and Koumas is leading the way.

Talking points

Should Koumas keep his place when Isak and Gakpo return? His form makes a strong case, but Iraola may prefer experience in bigger games.
Is Barcola's hat-trick a sign he's ready to be Liverpool's main man? The Frenchman was clinical in Linz and could be the focal point of the attack.
Can Liverpool sustain a title challenge with so many injuries? The depth is being tested, but youngsters like Koumas are stepping up.
Will Koumas's record stand for long? With Liverpool's academy producing talents like Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, more records could fall.

What happens next

Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday, with Koumas possibly leading the attack for the third time in seven days. Manager Andoni Iraola said on Thursday it was "too early" to tell whether Isak or Gakpo would be available. The match could see Koumas continue his impressive run and further stake his claim for a regular starting spot.