Liverpool are preparing to face off against Arsenal for the second time in the space of a week under the lights of Anfield.
The Reds made easy work of securing a win the last time the two sides locked horns – a 3-1 victory puts the reigning champions into second in the Premier League table. Tonight, they’ll hope they can make it two wins out of two against the Gunners as they challenge each other for a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
It’s likely Jurgen Klopp will once again field a youthful side in order to keep senior personnel from picking up any injuries. The likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott could return to the stage, alongside 19-year-old Neco Williams.
The deputy right-back has a chance to blow everyone out of the water with a strong performance tonight, something that should redeem him in the eyes of many fans.
After his performance against Lincoln City – despite the 7-2 scoreline – Williams received a hefty amount of backlash on social media.
According to Sofascore, the Wales international lost possession 15 times and was able to make just one of his attempted five crosses. However, despite some clumsy passes, Williams boasted two interceptions, two tackles and 2/3 successful dribbles. Given the fact he was also not at fault for either of Lincoln’s goals, it’s a respectable performance for a recent academy graduate.
Unfair Criticism of Neco Williams
Following the barrage of Twitter abuse, Williams blacked out his profile. This led to a number of independent fan sites issuing scoldings to those that had forced the teen off social media.
The pressure of living up to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream transition into first team football weighs heavily on Williams’ shoulders. It seems that many supporters have grown accustomed to the 21-year-old’s exceptional situation and now expect the same kind of journey for his understudy.
It’s likely he will be selected to start against Arsenal this evening as the Reds hope to upset Mikel Arteta’s side once more. If he does, Williams must grab this opportunity with both hands and use it as a chance to silence those who lambasted his recent performance.
In other news, James Pearce suggests Neco Williams is ready for PL bow
