Lewis Koumas 'may already be ready' for Liverpool after what he did away from Anfield

Liverpool gem Lewis Koumas may already be ready for the first-team squad after his performance for Stoke City on Saturday.

Coming into the FA Cup fourth-round contest against Cardiff City, the Welsh forward had notched four goals and three assists in 34 appearances for the Potters.

The 19-year-old, who was handed his first cap for the Wales national team in September, scored a brace in the contest on Saturday (8 February) to bring his side level from a 2-0 deficit.

If he continues in this vein of form in his first taste of regular senior football away from Anfield, he could force his way into Arne Slot's plans sooner rather than later.

Liverpool gem Koumas continues to impress

The Reds youth ace put his side back into the contest with a stunning left-footed low drive across the goalkeeper after a brilliant touch.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin, speaking about the goal on BBC Final Score [8 February] said: "It's a lovely take on the outside of his left boot and it's a lovely, lovely finish. The goalkeeper has got no chance."

His second to level the game was a close-range finish from a tight angle after he had beat his man and cut inside from the left flank before he was substituted after 90 minutes.

Lewis Koumas could soon star for Liverpool

The teenager scored on his senior debut for the Reds in the 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win against Southampton last season.

That was the highlight of a season that saw the Wales star notch 15 goals and six assists in 24 appearances in the Merseysiders' youth ranks.

The loanee enjoyed his finest moment yet in his spell for the Championship outfit, notching a sensational brace as they were defeated by the Bluebirds on penalties.

His latest exploits will no doubt have put Slot on notice and the Dutchman has shown that he is not afraid to give young talents a chance if they deserve it.

The former Feyenoord man has handed starts to the likes of Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns, and James McConnell in recent weeks in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley and the 3-2 Champions League loss against PSV.

Koumas could be the next academy graduate to be given regular opportunities at Anfield after his latest display.