Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted to BBC Sport that Rhys Williams didn’t even train before yesterday’s game against Crystal Palace.
Williams started for Liverpool against Burnley in midweek and felt a problem after the clash at Turf Moor.
The young central defender was then given the rest of the week off training, but was called back into Liverpool’s team for their game against Palace yesterday.
Thankfully the rangy centre-back seemed to shake off whatever injury problem he had.
Liverpool went on to win the game 2-0, as they sealed a place in next season’s Champions League.
And Klopp could not express his delight at the full-time whistle.
Klopp said: “Outstanding, best I could’ve dreamt of – we wanted this feeling, this game, this atmosphere. Finishing the season in third is incredible, I can’t believe it – credit to the boys I can’t believe how it worked out in the last few weeks, incredible.
“Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips are both cut up and stitched, Rhys hasn’t trained for three days, Gini Wijnaldum leaving the club and we all love him to bits. We will miss him so much, with football it’s normal that people leave, but I will miss him so much.”
Williams really has played a more important role than anyone could have predicted this season.
The youngster spent last term out in loan in non-league, but a spate of injuries have provided Williams with a chance in Liverpool’s first-team.
The 20-year-old has gone on to prove his worth to the Reds, with some performances which have belied his years.
Williams may find his game time reduced next season, when Liverpool’s more established centre-backs return to fitness.
But he has proven that he has a future at the top level, and Williams must feel proud of the contribution he has made into getting Liverpool back into the Champions League again.
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