'Work horse' Koumas growing with Wales

One swing of a left boot had Wales fans dreaming of a shock outcome in Portugal. It was ultimately not to be for Lewis Koumas whose close-range shot was brilliantly blocked on the line by Manchester City defender Ruben Dias in the 74th minute. But it was yet another example of the Liverpool forward giving the Red Wall an emotion they had probably not expected to feel in Lisbon. Genuine hope. Without a number of key players at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Craig Bellamy hoped the contest with the defending Nations League champions would help Wales find "the next Harry Wilson". Despite a 1-0 loss, the fixture provided more evidence that Koumas is ready to be the man Wales can depend on. "The positive part is you expose one or two players to this moment, I remember doing it about two years ago in Turkey with Koumas," Bellamy said. "I thought he was outstanding and I'm thinking, 'he belongs here'." The 21-year-old's work-rate was contagious, and his quality on the ball appears significantly advanced to what it was even just a year or so ago. It is no wonder Andoni Iraola felt the need to keep Koumas at Liverpool this season following his previous loans at Stoke City, Birmingham City and Hull City. "They kept him on at Anfield. You don't get the choice to stay," Bellamy said of Koumas remaining with the Reds. "If they want to keep you, they keep you. It's a difference." Felix strike earns Portugal narrow win over Wales Bellamy wants more from Wales after loss to Portugal Koumas' efforts have not gone unnoticed in the Wales camp either. Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams knows how difficult it is to make the grade at Liverpool having left the Merseyside outfit in 2022 in search of more regular minutes. But Williams has already seen enough from Koumas to feel confident that the future is bright as far as the youngster is concerned. "His confidence is growing each game," said Williams. "The more games he plays, the older he gets, the more experience he gets, he'll become better and better. 
 "What I see with him is he's improving all the time. He's a work horse, he doesn't stop working, and they're the type of players you want in your team." With games against Denmark and Norway to come in the first international window of the season, Koumas will have further opportunities to stake his claim in a Wales shirt. But as the evidence of his ability to shine for the Red Dragons continues to build, Bellamy can no doubt rest assured that he has the kind of talent he has so desperately craved at his disposal when it comes to the young forward. Contagious, confident - the rise of Lewis Koumas