Jurgen Klopp has told goal.com that Rhys Williams could not disguise his happiness at full time after helping Liverpool to a 5-0 win over Atalanta yesterday.
Williams was handed a start in the Champions League in what was supposed to be the toughest test of his career to date, but he came through it with flying colours.
The Liverpool defender, who was playing non-league football, was tasked with marking one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers in Duvan Zapata.
But he managed to help Liverpool completely shut out the Italian side.
And Klopp had nothing but positive things to say about the youngster.
“We can start with Rhys – exceptional. I cannot imagine being 19 years old and playing my second professional football game in the Champions League against [Atalanta striker Duvan] Zapata, it’s incredible! I would have been nervous like hell, but the boy was not,” Klopp said.
“It was really nice to see. I couldn’t be more happy for Rhys. You should see him in the dressing room, you’d need something special to get the smile off his face! It’s good to see.”
Williams has been backed to play in every single one of Liverpool’s Champions League matches to date.
He could now have done enough to convince Klopp that he is ready to start in the Premier League.
Liverpool are hoping to have Joel Matip back in time to play against Manchester City, but if the Cameroonian doesn’t recover in time, then Williams could be in with a chance of starting on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
