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The FA Cup is giving some Liverpool youngsters the chance to shine on a nationwide stage.
While plenty of the Reds loan army are involved in the Championship this season, the cup is a step above in terms of the attention it receives.
And although he has been outshone by the likes of Ben Doak in England’s second division this season, Lewis Koumas used his FA Cup opportunity to send a real statement on Saturday.
Koumas has had a good season with Stoke City, becoming a regular starter for the Potters and earning plenty of praise.
However, one thing that has been missing from the 19-year-old is the ability to find the net regularly.
Koumas changed that on Saturday, though, hitting a brace against Cardiff in a 3-3 draw.
And although Stoke eventually lost on penalties, the Liverpool loanee still lapped up the plaudits post-game.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Although Doak has been grabbing the headlines in the Championship with Middlesbrough this season, Koumas deserves a mention, too.
Stoke have been nothing to write home about and currently sit in 18th position in the table.
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But even though his tally of six goals and three assists does not stand out too much for a forward player, Koumas deserves credit for becoming a big player in the team at 19.
He’s clearly popular with his teammates, too.
After taking to Instagram after Saturday’s penalty shootout defeat, Koumas was hailed as the ‘Scouse Neymar‘ by fellow forward Nathan Lowe.
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“First career brace,” posted the Wales international.
“Thank you to the fans and people close to me for the continued support.”
“Scouse Neymar,” wrote Lowe, who has been on fire on-loan at Walsall this season, while the likes of Trent Kone-Doherty, Isaac Mabaya and academy coach Jay Spearing all posted their support as well.
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Koumas has quietly developed brilliantly at Stoke this season.
Perhaps more could have been added in the goals and assists column, but a steady year of Championship football is not to be sniffed at.
It will be fascinating to see what Liverpool’s plan is for the teenager once he returns to Merseyside over the summer.
In our opinion, it still feels unlikely that the forward will be in Arne Slot’s plans come next season.
Another loan might be the order of the day, with either another Championship club or a lower Premier League side feeling like the right move.
There is still a way to go for Koumas’ development, but he’s clearly on a good path.
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