Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas has matched a Champions League record held by club legend Steven Gerrard after scoring and assisting in Wednesday's 6-3 victory over LASK Linz.
The 21-year-old marked just his fourth senior start with an assist for Bradley Barcola before scoring Liverpool's sixth goal in Austria.
Koumas became only the second Liverpool player aged 21 or younger to register both a goal and an assist in a Champions League match, following Gerrard's achievement against Dynamo Kyiv in October 2001.
Koumas delivers breakthrough Champions League performance
Koumas helped create Barcola's first-half goal with clever footwork inside the penalty area before finishing a Jeremie Frimpong cross from close range later in the match.
The academy graduate also had two goals ruled out for offside but remained composed to take his eventual opportunity.
"It's nice to get a goal in this competition - the highest level of football. I'm really happy," Koumas told reporters.
The forward stressed that Liverpool's response to their previous 3-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester City mattered more than his individual achievement.
"It's a good win but ultimately [it was about] the reaction from the last game," he said.
Gerrard backs Koumas for Liverpool future
Gerrard had already praised Koumas following his Premier League debut against Manchester City, highlighting the youngster's determination and potential.
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, the former Liverpool captain recalled playing alongside Koumas's father, Jason, during their academy years.
"He'd done himself proud, he'd done the academy proud," Gerrard said.
The Liverpool legend acknowledged that Koumas still has areas to improve but believes he can establish himself in the senior squad.
"I think there's a future for him," Gerrard added.
Koumas has now started consecutive matches under head coach Andoni Iraola, taking advantage of opportunities created by injuries in Liverpool's attack.
Key Points
- Lewis Koumas scored and assisted in Liverpool's 6-3 win over LASK Linz.
- The 21-year-old matched Steven Gerrard's Champions League achievement from 2001.
- Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's victory.
- Gerrard believes Koumas has a long-term future at Anfield.
- Injuries to Liverpool's forwards could provide further opportunities.
What’s Next?
Liverpool travel to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
With Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike currently dealing with injuries, Koumas could retain his place in Iraola's starting line-up as he looks to build on his Champions League breakthrough.
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