Florian Wirtz is Liverpool’s No. 10 and, for many supporters, that should not even be up for discussion. The German arrived at Anfield with enormous expectations and is expected to be one of the central figures in Liverpool’s attacking evolution.
But even the biggest stars need competition.
Rather than looking for someone to replace Wirtz, Liverpool could benefit from giving Lewis Koumas a genuine opportunity to challenge him for minutes in the attacking midfield role.
Koumas has already shown qualities that make him an intriguing option. The young Welshman brings energy, aggression, pressing intensity and a willingness to fight for every ball. Whenever he gets an opportunity, he plays with the kind of hunger that can make life very uncomfortable for opponents.
And that is exactly the type of competition Liverpool should want inside the squad.
The idea is not to throw Wirtz out of the starting XI or question his status. Far from it. Wirtz remains the primary No. 10. The point is that having a hungry youngster constantly pushing behind him could raise the German’s level even further.
Koumas has already provided glimpses of what he can offer.
His performance in the Carabao Cup against Southampton remains a particularly memorable example. He found the net that night, while Jayden Danns stole the headlines with a brace, giving Liverpool supporters another reminder that the club has exciting attacking talent developing behind the established stars.
Now the challenge is turning those flashes into something more consistent.
Liverpool cannot afford to have young players simply waiting around for occasional opportunities. If Koumas is given a proper run, regular training exposure with the senior players and meaningful minutes when the situation allows, he could develop into a serious option for Iraola.
Competition is healthy.
Wirtz would know that there is another player desperate to take his opportunity. Koumas would know that he has to earn every minute. And Liverpool would benefit from having two players fighting to make the No. 10 position their own.
Nobody is saying Koumas should replace Wirtz.
The real question is whether he can become the player who pushes Wirtz to become even better.
Because if Liverpool can develop Koumas into a reliable attacking option while Wirtz establishes himself as the creative heartbeat of the team, the Reds could have a very exciting problem on their hands.
And sometimes, having too many hungry players fighting for places is exactly the problem you want.