'Player I adore' – Liverpool told academy star can reach top as rise with Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni continues

Wales manager Craig Bellamy praised Liverpool forward Koumas after his breakthrough season under Andoni Iraola, calling him a player he "adores" for his intensity and work rate.

Liverpool forward Koumas has established himself as a key player for the Reds this season under manager Andoni Iraola, earning his Premier League and Champions League debuts. The 21-year-old has made 13 appearances so far, starting five times across all competitions while scoring and assisting one goal. After two seasons on loan at Stoke City and Birmingham City, Koumas has now broken into Liverpool's first-team plans alongside fellow academy prospects Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has been effusive in his praise of the forward following another international call-up. Speaking at a press conference, Bellamy told talkSPORT: "The type of forward he is, the intensity he plays at I adore, it's like if you could send me a forward, it's him. He dips in, dips out, looks to stretch, willing to get on the ball at any occasion." Bellamy added that Liverpool are "handling him incredibly well" and expressed confidence that the club's management will benefit both the player and Wales.