The forward returned to Anfield after helping Hull win promotion to the Premier League in May. He then scored his first international goal for Wales against Ghana, before turning his attention to establishing himself.
“I felt like it could be a massive opportunity for me. I started looking into the sort of manager that he is and I feel like loads of my game is what he looks for in a player.
“I think the last two years were massive for my development and they are all reasons why trust is being put in me now.”
Koumas joined the Under-21s for pre-season a week before the senior squad, knowing Iraola would be watching. He was determined to make an impression.
“We knew that the gaffer was going to be there having a watch so I just made sure that there was no-one else out there working harder than me.
“There was going to be no-one out-training me and there was ultimately going to be no-one showing that they want to play for him more than I was.”
His performances earned him a place on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States. By the end of the trip, he sensed his opportunity was becoming real.
“Playing for him is really special – really, really special. You want to be out there on the pitch fighting for him because he fights for you. You want to play for him.”
Koumas has valued Iraola’s tactical detail and the chance to learn from senior team-mates. He singled out captain Virgil van Dijk for offering advice before matches and at half-time.
Born on the Wirral and at Liverpool since Under-11 level, Koumas has made 14 appearances. His first Champions League start brought a goal away to LASK.
“I always want to be in the Liverpool shirt. That’s always going to be in my words, I always want to play for Liverpool.
“But it’s time for us now to start winning titles again – league titles, European titles. I think that’s important. That’s what we all want to do and it’s what the fans want as well, and I think we’re more than capable of doing it.”