Liverpool fans saw a number of youngsters on display on Wednesday night, but one individual in particular who stood out to the Anfield faithful was right-back Neco Williams.
The Welsh defender, who has come through the youth ranks at Liverpool, made his first appearance on the hallowed turf and even provided the crucial assist for Divock Origi’s last-minute equaliser. Williams did superbly to beat his man, before sending an inch-perfect cross to the Belgian striker, who superbly volleyed home for his second goal.
Williams is just 18, and has the perfect role model in Trent Alexander-Arnold at the club, with the England international having made his Reds debut in a Carabao Cup win over Spurs just three years ago. The Wrexham-born full-back has appeared regularly for Liverpool Under-23s as well as Wales’ Under-19s, but will have been overjoyed to make his first senior appearances in such an exciting game.
Liverpool fought back superbly from 3-1 and 4-2 down to finish the game 5-5 with Arsenal, before triumphing on penalties. Although the defender may be disappointed in the number of the goals his side conceded, Liverpool fans were highly complimentary of the youngster on Twitter after the game.
Some of the best tweets from Reds fans discussing Williams’ performance in the win can be seen in the tweets below.
Great performance. Been balling for the youth team and you deserved this opportunity
— Ahmed (@ahmedIfc) October 31, 2019
Cafu has posters of you on his wall
— (@its_me_axad) October 31, 2019
Well done Neco
Offered more going forward than Clyne ever did.
People talk about great Klopp forwards & creative players, but that man knows how to mould a world class fullback.
Trent, Robbo, Milner, Piszeck, Schmelzer. Pretty sure he turned Großkreutz into a fullback too.— Jürgen Meister (@SS_LFC) October 31, 2019
He reminds me of Robbo, he runs and runs and runs and never seem to be tired. Another player to wear Mourinho down!
— pylovestoeat (@pylovestoeat) October 30, 2019
Well done lad! Hoping to see more of you in the future!
— Jussi Heikkinen (@jussi_heikkinen) October 31, 2019
Excellent last night Neco. Brilliant cross for Origi’s 2nd. Keep working
— Kevin (@KevOrf_5) October 31, 2019
These Liverpool fans were clearly very happy with Williams’ debut performance, and will no doubt be hoping to see more of the Welshman in the future.
What do we think?
Williams can be proud of his performance against an impressive attacking team in Arsenal and deserves the praise he’s getting from Liverpool fans after the game. The right-back unsurprisingly described his debut as a “dream come true” and it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Klopp continues to put his faith in the young right-back in their quarter-final tie against Aston Villa.