Nations League: The rise of Liverpool and Wales' Lewis Koumas

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.

"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.

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Bellamy is not alone. 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.

"Jason was a talented, talented player," says Danny Gabbidon, who played alongside the older Koumas for Wales.

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.

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.

"You wouldn't have seen Jason running around like Lewis the other night [for Liverpool against Tottenham] ," says Gabbidon.

"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."

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The younger Koumas' attitude is something that has been noted for some time.

"The effort, the will to learn and develop, how he applies himself, it's all there," Lewtas says.