Had Neco Williams appeared in Liverpool at almost any other time in their modern history, he would probably be a fair start.
It’s just rotten luck that he was hit hard by the post by Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose choke in the right back position is set to hold on for the majority of Williams’ senior career.
But you can do me a favor if you think the Welshman, still only 20 and on his way into the 16s in a big tournament with his country, will let it get in the way of his rise to the top of the game.
Williams is blessed with a well-founded realism about his future prospects at Anfield. He is aware of his own exceptional talents (how could he not be?) But he also knows that there is not much Liverpool can do to get him on the team. All they can offer him is the chance to wait and see what happens, but realistically it is only a serious injury to either Alexander-Arnold or Andy Robertson on the opposite flank that will see him get a long run in the side in the near future.
His emotional connection to the club may be the only reason why he did not bet on an exit this summer. But now reports from The Athletic suggest he has made up his mind and will have a procedure started when he returns from Euro 2020.
It may not have been an easy decision, especially for a player who has been at Liverpool’s books since Under-9 level. But it speaks of the humble determination that has helped establish him as one of the most exciting young players on the continent and will set him up for a great future wherever he ends up.
• Neco Williams • Liverpool • Welsh • 20 years old
TAA is the definition of a right-back wonderkid, but after him through the production line follows Neco Williams, who slowly begins to force himself into Klopp’s thinking. ?
Welcome to Our 21, @ necowilliams01 ???????
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) June 10, 2021
There is no doubt that Williams feels a strong loyalty to Liverpool, but he can not be blamed for prioritizing his own development. The Reds are not prepared to hold it against him either: it is claimed that they will order just £ 10m for his signature if he wants to leave, which will not scare away the circulating Leeds, Aston Villa, Burnley and Southampton.
The latter tried to get him back on loan in January, but it is understood that Liverpool do not want to sanction a loan agreement for Williams this time. They would prefer to sell, as they did with Rhian Brewster last summer, so the player has the security to start over without his parent club’s distraction hanging over his head.
In the Brewster deal, of course, Liverpool included a modest repurchase clause to secure their bets if he realized his potential. The same can be done here and may be the best measure for Williams’ development.
He starts for #WAL against #ITA at # EURO2020 today
Good luck, Neco Williams! pic.twitter.com/B5HcQLL3AV
– Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) June 20, 2021
It is worth remembering that reports are at an early stage, and it is not out of the question that Williams can stay at Anfield to provide coverage. With his midfield situation will be much more decided next term, Jurgen Klopp can feel more comfortable rotating his starting backs, which may be good news for Williams and Kostas Tsimikas.
But whatever happens, the young desire to leave to advance his own career is a positive reflection on the character’s strength that has made him so far only 20 years old. It’s no coincidence that he’s already an established Wales international and has a Premier League winner’s medal hanging on his bedroom wall.
He has not let anything get in the way of his ascent to the top, and he is not about to start now. If it means taking a step back to take two forward, Williams will embrace it with open arms.
