Neco cops it but he’ll learn fast

FIRST there was a glare, then a growl and finally a gesture. It was 34 minutes into Neco Williams’ first Premier league start when he truly understood what standards a liverpool player must keep. The Wales Under 21 right back had been given an opportunity to start on the other side of the pitch, as Jurgen Klopp wanted to preserve Andrew Robertson. Williams, a quiet and unassuming young man, had caught the eye with his effervescence and use of the ball. He is one of a clutch of novices thriving along with fellow teenagers Curtis Jones and Harvey elliott. They will all have Premier league winner’s medals at the end of this campaign, the manager adamant their progress merits the gongs. One 70-yard crossfield ball from Williams went like an arrow to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s feet; there had also been some dangerous cutbacks from the flank whenever he added his weight to liverpool’s attack. Best of all was a tackle on leandro Trossard in the 19th minute when it seemed the Belgian was about to halve the advantage liverpool had built up. With no margin for error the challenge was impeccable. Yet in the 34th minute, Williams took a moment too long to work out what he wanted to do when receiving possession from Virgil van dijk and davy Propper, Brighton’s midfielder, smothered him and created a chance for Neal Maupay. Joe Gomez came to the rescue but that did not save Williams. Jordan Henderson bellowed at the 19-yearold, leaving him in no doubt what is required to thrive in this team. To excel for the champions, every second and every action counts. It was a salutary lesson on a night Williams will not forget for several reasons, not least a joust with the superb Tariq lamptey, Brighton’s right back, 19, on loan from Chelsea and a constant menace. Indeed, in the 41st minute a coming together saw Williams receive a yellow card — a move that persuaded Klopp to take him off at the interval. But the manager knows Williams’ value. This start will not be his last. Not by a long way.