Jürgen Klopp has a lot to think about in the coming week. League leaders Leicester City visits Anfield on Sunday evening.
The Liverpool squad has been hit by injuries and the Reds boss will have to make an unfamiliar line-up for the clash at the top of the table this weekend.
One of the many problems to be resolved is who will replace Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool’s first choice right-back had to be substituted for Manchester City due to an injury and will not be available at short notice.
James Milner filled in the Etihad Stadium and could do so again for the Leicester game. The veteran has provided three assists in his nine starts when he played for the Reds there in the past (per transfer market). Perhaps it could make up for some of the lack of creativity that Trent’s absence inevitably imposes on the team.
However, Neco Williams is a right-back by profession and could therefore be supported by Klopp. His recent appearances for Wales haven’t hurt his chances.
It’s just as good as the 19-year-old made more appearances for his country than for his club in 2020/21, which probably says a lot about the relative merits of international football compared to the top end of the Premier League.
But he definitely uses his opportunities with Wales. Williams played the entire game in the 1-0 win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday and was considered the star of his team post-game player ratings at Wales Online.
He made positive contributions at both ends of the field to ensure his man was earned from the match nod. Perhaps most importantly, his interception in the six yard box when Ireland tried to take the lead in the first half.
Williams also helped prepare for the game’s only goal, and he created a chance for Gareth Bale (which ultimately was the only focused effort the Spurs star made all night).
Chris Mepham was the only player from either side to have more touch, and Williams topped the match leaderboard for dribbling past players and intercepting passes (via WhoScored).
He may have been lucky enough to get away with a late handball claim – one that would surely have been punished in the Premier League – but it was a brilliant all-round performance.
If Williams were chosen to visit Leicester, it would undoubtedly be the biggest game of his young Liverpool career. His three league starts for the club have all come after the league title was secured last season, and his eight-minute appearance at Atalanta recently is the sum of his European experience.
In fact, that late Champions League substitute is Williams’ only playing time in either of this season’s two main competitions, despite starting the Community Shield and both Carabao Cup games.
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It would be a significant vote of confidence from Klopp if he chose Williams, especially since he was targeted online by moronic so-called followers after a few mistakes he made.
The Liverpool manager might think Milner is a safer choice to play at Leicester, especially as the rest of the defense is likely to change a lot after the club’s recent injuries.
But Williams has been in great shape for Wales and would be worthy of his inclusion on Sunday if the Liverpool manager so chooses.
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