Liverpool’s young full-back Neco Williams made his Premier League debut last Wednesday night against Crystal Palace and Trent Alexander-Arnold was very impressed with the academy graduate.
Williams came on late in the 4-0 win at Anfield over Roy Hodson’s Eagles. The right-back had some great touches and even managed to get a shot on target after some nice footwork in the box.
Buzzing to have made my premier league debut tonight but more importantly to get the 3pts lads we’re class🔥 #dreamcometrue #onestepcloser pic.twitter.com/K4652aobCF
— Neco Williams (@necowilliams01) June 24, 2020
The right-back position is one that Liverpool need some coverage in as Alexander-Arnold is the only recognised first-team player in that position. Yes, Ki-Jana Hoever can fill in there but he is predominantly a centre-half. Our other right-back, Nathaniel Clyne, has been pushed to the fringes of the squad and will almost certainly leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
This paves the way for Williams to become more of a staple in the first-team squad and gradually gain more experience at the top level. The 19-year-old certainly doesn’t seem to lack confidence with the ball at his feet and is prepared to fight tooth-and-nail for every inch on the pitch – a hugely important trait for any player looking to impress Jürgen Klopp.
Alexander-Arnold is the perfect example of what Williams can hope for at the club. Two years his senior, Alexander-Arnold is also an academy graduate who impressed Klopp and co in recent years. He has gone on to become the creative focus for Klopp’s Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold spoke very highly of Williams after his cameo appearance against Crystal Palace last week. Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about Williams, Alexander-Arnold said:
“You can see him improving and picking up little things every day – likewise with all the young lads – and I think there’s no better place for young players to be than at Liverpool, to be given the chances like they got [against Palace].
“To be given the opportunity to train with world-class players is only going to make you better and prepare you for days like this so I was over the moon with the way he’s performed and likewise with Harvey [Elliott] when he came on.
“They’ve shown the quality and shown that when the gaffer is ready then they will be given the chance – and they deserve the chance as well.”
With the right-back position one that The Reds are lacking cover in, Williams could well be given a lot more game time next season. He’s also likely to feature during the last seven league games of this season. Klopp could use the opportunity to blood some young talent between now and the culmination of the 2019/20 campaign on July 26th.
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