‘It’s clever’: Sky pundit lauds Liverpool player’s display after he plays out of position

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Ashley Williams lauded Liverpool defender Neco Williams for producing a ‘really good game’ during Wales’ 5-1 thrashing of Belarus on Saturday, as he told Sky Sports Football (13/11/21 at 9:55 pm).

The Liverpool right-back was played as a left wing-back by Rob Page during their World Cup qualifier, but it didn’t matter too much because he got on the scoresheet for his country.

Williams picked up the ball from the left channel after 20 minutes, ran at the defence, before cutting onto his favoured right foot and pin-pointing his shot into the near post.

It was the 20-year-old’s second goal for his country and a crucial cushion, at the time, for Wales, who are marching towards the World Cup in Qatar.

The Belarusian keeper Sergey Chernik would have been disappointed not to prevent Williams’ shot from going in because he did get a palm to it.

But former Wales captain Williams felt that his namesake was ‘clever’ in how he placed the ball into the bottom corner.

“He did (have a very good game),” said Williams. “I thought he was very positive and we mentioned that he played very high up, playing off the left and cutting in.

“I think the keeper could have done better, we will all say that, but I think it’s a clever finish.

“He knows there are bodies and legs in the way. He gets it out onto his right foot and if you see that he has meant that. Tried to tuck it into the near stick. It’s clever that is.

“I thought he deserved it. He deserved his goal because he started brightly, played the whole game and had a really good game. I am pleased for him.”

Whenever Williams has played competitive games, either for Liverpool or for his country, he has impressed.

But given that he plays behind a certain Trent Alexander-Arnold on Merseyside, it’s difficult for him to earn those regular minutes.

If Wales do reach Qatar, then Williams will need to start playing regularly if he wants to produce his best for his country.

And it will be interesting to see if that results in him moving on loan, either in January or next summer, with football’s biggest showpiece event taking place next November.