Lewis Koumas has delivered one of the most uplifting stories of Liverpool's season so far — a homegrown talent seizing his chance with both hands during an injury crisis at Anfield.

The 21-year-old Wales international scored his first goal of the campaign and added an assist in Liverpool's 6-3 victory over LASK in Austria, becoming the youngest Liverpool player to score and assist in a UEFA Champions League match. The previous holder of that record was Steven Gerrard, back in 2001.

"Is that official?" Koumas asked when told of the milestone. "It's not a bad stat, is it? And it's not a bad name to be alongside. Wow. What a legend. I just want more of this."

A moment that meant everything

Two of Koumas's strikes were ruled out for offside before he finally found the net, making the moment all the sweeter. Bradley Barcola — who also helped himself to a hat-trick and left the Raiffeisen Arena with the match ball — was the first to celebrate with Koumas in front of the travelling supporters.

The contrast between the pair's situations just 12 months ago is remarkable. Koumas was on loan at Birmingham in the Championship, while Barcola was at Paris St-Germain, who went on to win the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive season.

"It was probably the best feeling in my career, 100%. I'm just really grateful to have the opportunity again," Koumas said. "Going over to the fans at the end meant absolutely everything. They are the reason we do this. I wish I could have got in there with them, but there was a big metal cage in the way!"

Sleepless after Manchester City

Koumas made his first Premier League start just three days before the LASK game, against Manchester City — stepping in with Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike all sidelined through injury. He came agonisingly close to a Premier League goal when Gianluigi Donnarumma denied him in front of the Kop at 0-0.

"I couldn't really sleep [on Sunday]. I just kept thinking about the chance all night. I feel like I couldn't have hit it any better. The keeper is huge and he was just in the right place," he said.

Despite the heartbreak, Koumas refused to dwell. Three days later in Linz, he had his answer.

A pathway through the academy

Koumas joined Liverpool at the age of 11, scored on his debut as an 18-year-old under Jurgen Klopp, and went out on loan to Stoke, Birmingham, and Hull — where he helped the Tigers win promotion last season. When manager Andoni Iraola assessed his squad in the first week of pre-season, he decided Koumas was firmly part of his plans.

Iraola previously described Koumas's playing style as "contagious" after a man-of-the-match display against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup. Each time he has played well, Koumas has gone straight onto a video call with his family — a tradition continued after the LASK win.

Liverpool's academy boss Rob Page pointed to Koumas as an inspiration for the next generation. Liverpool's under-19s beat LASK's youngsters 4-2 in the Uefa Youth League on the same night, with 18-year-old Will Wright scoring a hat-trick.

"You see Koumas with the first team and the energy he brings to the front line — that's from being in the academy," Page said. "My message was: 'Where is the next one coming from? So go and show the manager what you are capable of doing.'"

Keeping his feet on the ground

Koumas is aware that Isak and Gakpo will eventually return from injury, and he is under no illusions about the competition for places. Iraola confirmed on Thursday that it was "too early" to say whether either forward would be available for Liverpool's trip to Brentford on Saturday.

"You never know when your last game is going to be," Koumas said. "I know that sounds like a cliche, but it is true. I have got to keep pushing, every chance I get."

The son of former Wales midfielder Jason Koumas, he is determined to make this run last. "I just want more of this," he said — and right now, Liverpool want more of him too.