It took less than a week of pre-season for the 21-year-old to show new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola what he could offer. And it has taken less than a month of the new season for him to show why he has a place in Liverpool's plans. Now, over the next fortnight, the attacking prospect who is fast becoming an Anfield favourite will attempt to prove what several people in Welsh football have suspected for a long while - that he can have a big impact on the international stage too.
"I feel he's going to be a really important player for us for a number of years," Wales boss Craig Bellamy said before Nations League games with Portugal, Denmark and Norway that will see Koumas share an international stage with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland. Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and 5 Live, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary. Wales and Liverpool legend Ian Rush is among a growing number impressed by Koumas' potential, a potential that – despite his recent rise to prominence – has been obvious for a number of years.
Right from the off, in fact. The surname alone brought excitement, given the talents of Lewis' father, former Wales international Jason Koumas. "Jason was a talented, talented player," says Danny Gabbidon, who played alongside the older Koumas for Wales.
"He could do a bit of everything; technically amazing, he could look after the ball, pass, score fantastic goals. He could just make things happen." The phrase mercurial midfielder never felt more fitting than for Koumas senior, who won 34 caps and scored 10 goals for Wales but could delight and frustrate in equal measure. "He could be a bit lazy at times," chuckles Gabbidon when considering a player who was often nonchalance personified.
Indeed, Tranmere Rovers, West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic fans will all smile at the highlight-reel memories, while having a nagging feeling of what might have been had Koumas had the tenacity to match his talent. Yet it seems Lewis has some of the qualities his father may have lacked. "You wouldn't have seen Jason running around like Lewis the other night [for Liverpool against Tottenham] ," says Gabbidon.
"I kept a close eye on him because I've felt his best position is a striker and I've been keen to see him down the middle. "To get the chance at a club like Liverpool shows what the manager thinks of him. But it's not just his talent, it's the appetite." Name Wales' Euro 2016 semi-final XI against Ronaldo's Portugal The younger Koumas' attitude is something that has been noted for some time.
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