News Focus
- Lewis Koumas nets first Wales goal in 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana in Cardiff
- Craig Bellamy plans to use the Liverpool talent as a centre-forward despite his usual wing role
- Wales lack striking options but possess many wingers, prompting positional switch
- Koumas, 20, recently helped Hull City win Championship play-off final on loan
- Wales face Romania next while Ghana prepare for World Cup campaign
Wales manager Craig Bellamy believes Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas can solve the national team’s striker shortage. The 20-year-old scored his maiden international goal on Tuesday night to secure a 1-1 draw against Ghana at Cardiff City Stadium.
Koumas has mainly played on the left flank during his short career. However, Bellamy sees the player’s future through the middle as a number nine. The Wales boss explained that the squad lacks genuine centre-forwards but has plenty of wide options.
“We do not have many strikers coming through our system,” said Bellamy. “We have many brilliant wingers instead. Koumas could help us out wide, but he has looked electric in training as a centre-forward.”
The Liverpool academy graduate spent the second half of last season on loan at Hull City. He helped them earn promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Earlier loan spells at Birmingham City and Stoke City saw him operate mostly on the wing.
Wales boasts several speedy wide players including Daniel James, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks and Sorba Thomas. This wealth of options convinced Bellamy to try Koumas in a central role.
“He needs to be a bit tidier with his play, but that is normal for his age,” Bellamy added. “I see him as a future star for Wales. He will have a big impact, and I am delighted he got his goal tonight.”
The result leaves Wales preparing for another friendly against Romania on Saturday. They failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March.
Ghana, meanwhile, will compete at the World Cup in a group containing England, Croatia and Panama. Bellamy warned that their opening match against Panama could decide their tournament fate. He praised their counter-attacking speed and mentioned the quality of players like Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo who missed the Wales match.