Why Liverpool should hold onto rising full-back Neco Williams
While speaking to Football Insider (h/t Daily Express), former Manchester City defender Danny Mills urged Liverpool youngster Neco Williams to go out on loan next season.
According to Mills, Williams will find it difficult to break into the Liverpool first-team due to the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. The former Premier League star added that it would, thus, be wise of the young Williams to go on loan in order to grab more game time and experience.
19-year-old Williams has impressed this season after breaking into the first-team setup. The teenage full-back recently got promoted into Liverpool’s first-team setup from their U-23 side and has excelled when given the chance.
Predominantly a right-back, Williams made a few cameo appearances this season, replacing either Alexander-Arnold or Robertson in either of the full-back slots, giving a fair glimpse of his versatility. He has featured 10 times across all competitions for the Reds this season and has also contributed to the side with three assists in the process.
Having proved himself playing for manager Jurgen Klopp’s senior side, the youngster is seen as one of the most impressive future prospects from Liverpool’s youth system at the moment.
Liverpool should keep faith in Williams and offer him more chances
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have enjoyed an excellent run so far in the Premier League were recently crowned as champions. A back-four involving full-backs Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have done a superb job helping them to win their first Premier League title since its formation back in 1992.
The two have played a major role in maintaining a rock-solid defence that has conceded the fewest number of goals (29 from 36 matches) in the league this term. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson have excelled not just defensively but also offensively, with the two producing a combined 22 assists in the Premier League so far.
They have established themselves as the best full-backs not just in England but also in Europe. So, it is true that first-team opportunities will be very rare for young Williams.
However, Klopp offering him chances despite Alexander-Arnold, and Robertson’s brilliance is a sign of good things to come. Moreover, apart from the duo, Liverpool do not have any backup in those roles. Meaning it can hurt them next season if they still wish to stay at the top.
Losing Williams, hence, can prove to be a grave mistake as Klopp will be left without any depth in that position. Hence, it would be better if Liverpool do not let go of their rising talent. They should rather keep more faith in him and offer him more chances in order to prove his mettle.
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Verdict
Liverpool at the moment have world-class full-backs in Alexander-Arnold and Robertson. But what good would that be if they don’t have backups for them. That said, Liverpool should make sure Williams stays at the club. Sending him out on loan will deprive Klopp of depth in the full-back areas. Hence, they should keep the youngster at the club.
