Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has commended his young fringe players for their contributions in the 3-1 Carabao Cup third-round win against Tottenham. Iraola specifically highlighted the “contagious” energy of man-of-the-match Lewis Koumas.
Koumas, 20, making only his fifth appearance, led the line as a centre-forward and was a constant threat to the Spurs defence during his 86 minutes on the pitch. Other solid performances came from James McConnell, 22, Trey Nyoni, 19, and Rio Ngumoha.
Iraola expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I was happy for them. Different positions, different demands but I think the best thing is they were dead when I subbed them.” He added that the players showed intensity and aggressiveness, earning Liverpool their place in the next round.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo put Liverpool 2-0 up, and Dominik Szoboszlai secured the win with a stunning strike in added time after Conor Gallagher pulled one back for Tottenham.