Liverpool could have one of the Premier League's best wonderkids

Liverpool could have one of the Premier League's best wonderkids Liverpool have developed a reputation for developing some of the best young talents in the country. Several members of the Reds’ first-team squad are graduates of the club’s Kirkby academy, and Andoni Iraola has continued the club’s tradition of nurturing youngsters. Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Rio Ngumoha are just some of the former academy players who have been involved in Iraola’s squad this season, but arguably the most impressive prospect in the squad is Lewis Koumas . The 21-year-old forward has already earned himself 110 minutes for the Reds this campaign, and has impressed massively, especially with his relentless pressing. Koumas developing into ready-made starter Although Koumas is still on the periphery of Liverpool’s squad, he has become an important figure for Wales, already earning 13 caps and starting for Craig Bellamy’s side on Thursday night. Koumas came within inches of scoring and causing an upset in Portugal, but Manchester City’s Ruben Dias was able to make a goal line clearance. BBC Sport’s Ian Mitchelmore was full of praise for the 21-year-old, saying: “[Koumas’] 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.” Speaking on the forward’s performance, Bellamy said: “I thought he was outstanding and I'm thinking, 'he belongs here'.” Koumas isn’t quite ready to be a regular starter at Anfield yet, but the forward is developing very well and if he can continue to progress at this rate he won’t be a fringe player for long. The 21-year-old could be one of Wales’ top stars very soon, and the more he impresses for Liverpool the more trust he will earn from Iraola.