Jurgen Klopp could start 18-year-old likened to Adam Lallana for Liverpool v Sparta Prague

Liverpool takes on Sparta Prague in their Europa League last-16 second-leg match on Thursday night, and they want to win.

After defeating the defending Czech champions 5-1 at home last week, the Reds have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals.

Liverpool must watch out for Sparta’s rapid acceleration out of the starting blocks and make sure their lead doesn’t dwindle over the game.

Jurgen Klopp is probably going to make a lot of changes at the same time to give academy youngsters and periphery players an opportunity to show themselves on the European scene.

Lewis Koumas, who has been making waves in both the Liverpool academy and the seniors recently, is one of the guys who might get a look-in.

The 18-year-old attacker scored in the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Southampton this year, marking his professional Reds debut.

Lewis Koumas ‘brilliant’ for Liverpool

With seven goals and two assists in 14 Under-21s games and 18 goals and six assists in 24 Under-18 appearances, Koumas has also been making an impression at the younger level.

Speaking with the Reds media team in November of last year, Liverpool youth manager Barry Lewtas praised Koumas.

“Lewis has really been fantastic for us,” Lewtas remarked. “He has excellent technique, is an aggressive player who approaches the game with energy, and loves to run in behind.”

He is an excellent football player. He truly just gets on with things and has a lovely temperament. He has blended in with the boys rather well.

Online users have also drawn comparisons between Koumas and current Reds star Diogo Jota and Liverpool cult figure Adam Lallana.

Jayden Danns would have also been considered for the game, but Klopp would not have wanted to take a chance on him right away given that he missed last week’s due to a concussion.