NO-GO NECO
He won’t Kop out of Anfield education
NECO WILLIAMS has answered claims he should leave Liverpool to make it to the top by insisting Mo Salah and Sadio Mane offer all the challenge he requires.
Even his own international boss Rob Page suggested he wouldn’t be against the defender exiting Anfield in search of more game time.
That came after two outstanding performances for Wales, including a man-of-the-match display against world No.1 side Belgium.
But Williams believes that his daily training routine, where he must face the world-class questions asked by Salah and Mane, are enough to maintain his development.
The 20-year-old, who signed a fiveyear deal with the Reds in 2020, said: “For me, when I signed my contract, the main thing was I needed to improve as a player.
“And when I’m coming up against Mo Salah and Sadio Mane every day in training, it’s going to make me a better player.
“It is hard, but it’s going to make me a better player and it definitely has helped me.
“I feel like I’ve matured in my game. I’m learning off them and it gives me a little battle with them, so I’m enjoying it.”
Williams won many plaudits for his performances in the international break, with Page describing him as “outstanding”, and many Wales fans were astonished at the level he showed.
And Page admitted he wouldn’t be disappointed if several of his team decided to move on from their club sides in January to ensure they play more often before a potential visit to the World Cup finals next year.
The full-back, though, remains behind Trent Alexander-arnold in the Liverpool team and it is hard to see a way past such a key figure in Jurgen Klopp’s system, with the England man certain to start against Arsenal tomorrow evening.
Klopp, meanwhile, has confirmed Jordan Henderson is facing a fight to be fit to face the Gunners.
The Liverpool captain picked up an injury on international duty that forced him to be sent home before England’s win over San Marino.
Henderson trained this week but the Reds are waiting to see if he will be able to line up against Mikel Arteta’s men.
Full-back Andy Robertson came off early during Scotland’s win over Denmark this week but should be fit.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino have not recovered from hamstring injuries.