Former England striker Emile Heskey believes Lewis Koumas deserves a chance to lead Liverpool’s attack if their injury crisis continues.
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are unavailable for Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 pm.
Heskey would choose Koumas ahead of Cody Gakpo, even if the Dutchman were fully fit. He believes Gakpo offers more as a winger than as a centre-forward.
The former Liverpool striker also believes Bradley Barcola must start delivering on the pitch after his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain.
A good prospect
During an exclusive sitdown interview with 10bet, Heskey said: “The lad Lewis Koumas has done really well. He looks like a good prospect.
“I like him, and he gives you something different because he’s going to give you that work rate that no one else gives.
“As a defender, one thing you don’t like is someone who’s just going to harass you all the time, and he’s that young, hungry, energetic player that sometimes you need to just throw into the mix.
“He’s done well when he’s come on, so yeah, I wouldn’t be against giving him his chance.”
Makeshift option
When asked if Gakpo should be given the nod as a striker, Heskey added: “I’m not sure he’s a centre-forward.
“He could be a makeshift option for one or two games, but I don’t think he’s a centre-forward in that sense.
“I’m sure he’s more of a wide left or inside left kind of attacking player.
“Playing up front… It’s a different role. Whatever happens, Andoni Iraola will have to make changes because he’s without several key players and his one and two strikers.
“Gakpo picked up a knock playing for the Netherlands. Will he be available on Sunday?
“We know Isak and Ekitike are out…Iraola will have to think who his best option is. Perhaps Koumas will come into the equation.”
Explosive and exciting
Barcola is still settling into life on Merseyside and in the Premier League – and Heskey is hoping he starts to fire on all cylinders for the Reds soon.
He added: “We all want to see that explosive, exciting player. I think he’s had enough time to settle in. Hopefully the lads are helping him settle in so that he can now hit the ground running.
“He’s got so much talent, so much pace, so much ability, and he’s shown it at PSG.
“So can we finally start to see it? I hope that we can, and it will be needed given the injuries to Liverpool’s attacking players and the number of players on the treatment table at the moment.”
