Wales secured top-seed status for the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs after a 1-1 draw at home to Belgium on Tuesday, with Liverpool defender Neco Williams a star of the show.
Kevin de Bruyne broke the deadlock for the world’s No.1-ranked footballing nation on 12-minutes in Cardiff. Smashing the rebound of Axel Witsel’s shot from the edge of the area.
Kieffer Moore later controlled Dan James’ cross to cancel the Manchester City maestro’s effort out on 32-minutes for Wales to avoid drawing Italy and Portugal in the semi-finals.
Williams came close to securing Wales the win in spectacular fashion when the Liverpool ace charged down the left, cut inside and aimed for the far top corner. But Koen Casteels produced an equally impressive save to deny the 20-year-old a third international goal.
It was a brilliant run from Williams, as the 17-cap full-back collected Connor Roberts’ pass and drove between two players. Then unleashing a fierce and swerving strike on target.
Liverpool gem Williams stuns BBC and Sky Sports pundits in Wales vs Belgium
Williams was not afraid to push forward when Belgium presented the Wales and Liverpool talent the opportunities to. Constantly overlapping with Leeds winger James on the left.
His 83rd-minute strike particularly caught the eye of BBC pundit Kevin Ratcliffe and Sky Sports pundit Danny Gabbidon. With both ex-Wales internationals offering effusive praise.
“What a player we have got in Neco Williams. He’s got it all,” Ratcliffe exclaimed on BBC Radio Wales (16/11, 22:26).
While Gabbidon enthused on Sky Sports (16/11, 22:26): “Williams has been absolutely outstanding tonight.”
Williams will hope his Wales exploits – after scoring against Belarus last Saturday – also caught Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s attention.
The German has only fielded his £25k-a-week defender for 97-minutes so far this season in all competitions. Featuring once in the Premier League, EFL Cup and Champions League.
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