Goal.com journalist Neil Jones has given an update on Liverpool’s update when it comes to replacing reportedly wantaway defender Neco Williams.
Jones believes Liverpool could look for a backup right-back in-house as Liverpool are reportedly ready to listen to offers for the 20-year-old, who will apparently look for a move away from Anfield this summer as he seeks first-team football on a more consistent basis.
Williams, who is currently at this summer’s European Championships with Wales, has had the difficult job of serving as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deputy during his time in Jurgen Klopp’s first team.
Having only featured six times in the Premier League for Klopp last season, the £7.2million-valued prodigy could well be on the way out of Anfield.
And speaking about how Liverpool would go about replacing Williams, Jones had this to say when speaking to The Redmen TV:
“I think the issue is, probably, do you have to maybe look at your backup as someone who plays in number of positions? You know, a James Milner, I know people don’t like James Milner in a full-back [role], but he does a job there absolutely fine.
“Joe Gomez has done it in the past, obviously. Personally, I don’t think Joe Gomez as a right-back is anything like as effective as Joe Gomez as a centre-back, or anyone else as a right-back, to be honest.
“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain potentially in the squad who maybe you could see playing the odd game at home as a right full-back. I mean, mention of Connor Bradley, who’s obviously already played for Northern Ireland, but you’re talking about Neco Williams being two years in advance of him.
“So, the idea that you could say about a 17-year-old Connor Bradley, who’s come over, had one season in the academy. And you can sort of say, ‘yeah, he’s going to be part of the thinking’, I don’t see that being the case, personally.”
TIF Thoughts on Neco Williams’ future…
Given how limited his minutes have been under Klopp, playing reserve to one of the best full-backs in the world, it is no surprise that Williams could be seeking a new challenge.
The probably for Liverpool is, with Alexander-Arnold set to dominate the full-back position for years to come, how do they entice someone to come to the club and play second fiddle?
The mention of Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a good option for Liverpool, having been deployed in a wing-back role during his time at Arsenal, his pace and power could make him a fantastic alternative for Liverpool and Klopp to use until they find a longer-term solution.