Bellamy isn’t alone. Wales and Liverpool legend Ian Rush is amongst a rising quantity impressed by Koumas’ potential, a possible that – regardless of his current rise to prominence – has been apparent for quite a lot of years.
Proper from the off, in actual fact. The surname alone introduced pleasure, given the skills of Lewis’ father, former Wales worldwide Jason Koumas.
“Jason was a gifted, gifted participant,” says Danny Gabbidon, who performed alongside the older Koumas for Wales.
“He may do a little bit of all the things; technically wonderful, he may take care of the ball, move, rating incredible objectives. He may simply make issues occur.”
The phrase mercurial midfielder by no means felt extra becoming than for Koumas senior, who received 34 caps and scored 10 objectives for Wales however may delight and frustrate in equal measure.
“He may very well be a bit lazy at instances,” chuckles Gabbidon when contemplating a participant who was typically nonchalance personified.
Certainly, Tranmere Rovers, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff Metropolis and Wigan Athletic followers will all smile on the highlight-reel reminiscences, whereas having a nagging feeling of what might need been had Koumas had the tenacity to match his expertise.
But it appears Lewis has a number of the qualities his father could have lacked.
“You would not have seen Jason working round like Lewis the opposite night time [for Liverpool against Tottenham] ,” says Gabbidon.
“I stored a detailed eye on him as a result of I’ve felt his greatest place is a striker and I have been eager to see him down the center.
“To get the possibility at a membership like Liverpool reveals what the supervisor thinks of him. Nevertheless it’s not simply his expertise, it is the urge for food.”