Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has tipped centre-back Rhys Williams to have a big future after he made his Champions League debut against Ajax during the week.
The 19-year-old spent last season out on loan at non-league club Kidderminster Harriers but his development has come on leaps and bounds over the past few months, and Klopp has nothing but praise for the defender:
“He is a big talent – not only big physically, but he is a real talent and it’s nice to have him around. That he played last year non-league, that makes it special.”
Williams has pretty much come out of nowhere, considering there are plenty of other young centre-backs, like Billy Koumetio and Sepp van den Berg, who have been more widely touted. Supporters on Twitter are excited about the player’s future following Klopp’s remarks:
He’s going to be amazing
— Andrew Cowan (@AndrewCowan50) October 23, 2020
Future?
— ????? (@lfcrubn) October 23, 2020
We love to see it ?
— ? (@ChrisvLFC) October 23, 2020
Rhys Van Dijk ??
— Diogoat? (@DiogoatJota) October 23, 2020
Klopp is so special man. The opportunities he has given some players is just amazing ❤
— ???? ? ℓғc ♡?CHAMP19NS? (@TimaLFC19) October 23, 2020
He’s a good lad. He deserved his opportunity and acquitted himself well.
— Andrew #FBIW ??????? (@_Annibyniaeth) October 23, 2020
Smile on his face when Klopp hugged him says it all. I hope he becomes something with us because it's a hell of a story @rhyswilliams01
— ThiagoSZN (@6ThiagoSZN) October 23, 2020
Baller
— Connor ? (@LFC_McKenzie) October 23, 2020
It really is a fantastic story. This time last year Williams was playing in the National League North, in the sixth tier of English football, and in the space of twelve months he has made his debut for the Premier League champions and featured in Europe’s premier competition.
