Jurgen Klopp has told Liverpool’s official website that Neco Williams’ shooting in the warm-up impressed him last night.
Catching the eye
Williams was actually picked to start down the right-flank against Leicester City, in a move which shocked many.
The Welsh international generally plays as a full-back, but he was given a more advanced role yesterday, before being switched back to his more familiar position at half-time.
Interestingly, Klopp suggested after the game that Williams was given an attacking role as he was such a good finisher.
He said that the 20-year-old is brilliant at cutting inside and shooting on his left, and that much was evident on the Anfield pitch during the warm-up.
“I expected when you saw him warming up, when he cuts inside his left foot is incredible, he can really finish with it, so I was expecting one or two of these situations,” he said.
“There were good moments, but of course the second half was better. Wales play from time to time [with] wing-backs, he plays left side and all these kind of things – and he can play all these things, but tonight we had to make a few decisions and in this system the right wing is maybe not his top, top position, but he can play it.
“At full-back he played really well, he was involved in pretty much everything, he was much calmer in the right situations, involved in a lot of combinations and so I liked his game.”
Yet to be seen
Williams’ finishing ability hasn’t really come to the fore for the first-team yet, but it is an asset which will surely serve him well.
Liverpool’s full-backs are given such licence to get forward that he should have plenty of scoring opportunities if he can force his way into the team.
Williams is still only 20 so has plenty of time on his side, but the problem for him is that he is competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold for a spot.
With Alexander-Arnold so important to Liverpool’s play, only an injury or suspension is likely to provide him with an opportunity.
That being said, he did take his chance after putting in an impressive display last night.
Liverpool just about made it past Leicester on penalties to book their spot in the semi-finals.
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