With the injury crisis deepening at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp is giving a run of games to his young guns in the Premier League and in other competitions.
Neco Williams is one of those young guns at Liverpool. Can the fullback make it big in the English Premier League?
After winning their first league title in the Premier League era, Liverpool were expected to dominate the proceedings this season. While starting their title defense on a bright note, the club was still ousted in the EFL Cup.
Apart from the PL, they are only left with the FA Cup and Champions League in the ongoing season. However, the club’s Carabao knockout can be a boon for the manager with the endless injury crisis happening players are able to rest up and in return, the young lads have benefited from it most.
The youngsters are getting their chances to pin down their spot in the senior team. One amongst them is Neco Williams.
Rising through the ranks at Melwood, Neco Williams has been phenomenal for Liverpool in Premier League Divison 2. The Welsh international played a crucial role in Liverpool’s U-23 victories in previous seasons.
The player has made it to the senior team within a season after being promoted to the U-23s. The maturity shown by him is beyond his age – in games he’s played in the top flight.
The 19-year-old fullback is versatile and Ryan Giggs has full admiration for him. The Liverpool starlet scored a last gasp winner against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League and helped his side to maintain a 100% record.
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Ryan Giggs had his say on the player:
"Neco’s attitude is first-class, when you have a professional who wants to improve then you’ve got a chance(Via: BT)"
Williams received abuse on social media when the player had a bad game for the Reds against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup.
Both Jurgen Klopp and Ryan Giggs asked the player to come back stronger after the incident and the player rightly followed their advice.
He has covered for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the league with a fine display at right-back.
In his recent Champions League game against Ajax, he put in an excellent shift for the Merseysiders. Williams had an assist to his name, including two important interceptions and tackles in the game.
Neco Williams stats this season:
Games played – 8 (Across all competitions)
Minutes played – 510
Goals scored -0
Assists -1
Key Passes -3
Tackles -8
Interceptions -15
Blocks -9
Clean sheets – 4
Wins -3
Loses -3
Draws -2
1 - Neco Williams' assist for Curtis Jones' goal was the first time two teenagers have combined for a goal in the Champions League for Liverpool. Development. pic.twitter.com/31xsMoQTiN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 1, 2020
The festive schedule is kicking in for Premier League clubs and Liverpool will be put through a number of tests. Seven games are left before the winter transfer window opens.
Neco Williams has been a brilliant player for both club and country with loads of passion and desire.
The player has gained confidence with his recent performances for the Reds. With several clubs looking to fill the right-back position, can Neco Williams increase his transfer market value?
Can he also help the Merseysiders to regain lost territory before Trent Alexander Arnold’s returns fully-fit?