Liverpool fullback Neco Williams was certainly not the only bad performer in the 2-0 defeat to Atalanta, but his lack of experience at the highest level was again exposed on a difficult night for the youngster.
The 19-year-old has come in for unfair criticism on social media but some supporters on Twitter simply believe the defender needs to be loaned out rather than having his weaknesses highlighted in a high profile Champions League game:
Looks out of his depth
— Monsif Elalami (@Monstaza) November 25, 2020
He needs to leave . Not good enough. Maybe a loan
— . (@invertedmid) November 25, 2020
The trouble is you can’t just throw him in with a load of other changes … he would cope and learn by playing with 10 regular first team players
— Nicholas Slade (@theAlbertfishie) November 25, 2020
He hasn’t had one convincing performance with the first team. He isn’t Trent, think he has great potential but needs a steady loan spell.
— OHH Andy Andy (@Cpt_Shmorgan) November 25, 2020
His gameplay is too obvious. He needs a loan to get more game time and more experience. He needs to bulk up a little and speed up.
— Ronak R Modi (@ronakricky) November 25, 2020
100% he looks well off it.
— Charlie (@CLennox265) November 25, 2020
He is not ready ? ?
— patoo , LFC (@AGUHPATRICK10) November 25, 2020
I totally agree, I don’t think I’ve been that impressed by him since the 5-5 against Arsenal. I think a loan move in January for a few months then a years loan next summer would do him good, with cover for Trent brought in along with a CB in January.
— Josh (@JGLFC1984) November 25, 2020
With Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, manager Jurgen Klopp does not have a lot of choice but to pick Williams at the moment. The injuries in midfield meant that James Milner had to be selected in a different position against Atalanta and the squad is down to the bare bones.
It must also be pointed out that Williams was up against the likes of Papu Gomez and Robin Gosens, who were two of Atalanta’s biggest threats going forward.
Whether the teenager will play against Brighton on Saturday, we shall have to wait and see, but it certainly wasn’t the right-back’s best display yesterday evening.