Young Neco earns rave reviews... and it’s easy to see why
LIVERPOOL defender Neco Williams produced a timely reminder of his astonishing talents with two mesmerising displays for Wales during the latest international break.
The 20-year-old netted his second goal for his country in the 5-1 rout of Belarus before playing a starring role in the 1-1 draw with Belgium that saw Wales clinch a home World Cup play-off semifinal.
Williams now has 17 international caps to his name, which is remarkably just 11 games fewer than his total of club appearances for Liverpool since making his senior Reds debut in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal in October 2019.
He has 267 minutes of action under his belt for the Red Dragons so far this term compared to just 107 for his club.
But his lack of regular game time on a weekly basis has done little to slow the versatile wingback down when it comes to his showings on the international scene.
Discussing Williams’s monumental effort against Belgium, former Wales international David Cotterill wrote on Twitter: “Neco Williams has been @Fawales best player the last two games. Great result for Wales tonight, on to the play-offs.”
And during his commentary of the contest on Sky Sports, exwales defender Danny Gabbidon said: “Neco Williams has been absolutely outstanding tonight.”
The Times’s chief football writer Henry Winter said: “Right or left, full-back, wing-back or winger, Neco Williams looks a real prospect.
“Fearless, great energy, driving runs, scoring too. Outstanding for Wales against Belarus, then Belgium. Only 20. And congratulations to #Cymru on reaching #Worldcup2022 play-offs – as seeds.”
Fans were also in awe of the youngster’s display as Wales took second spot in Group E ahead of the Czech Republic.
Welsh Fan Zone TV said: “Home play-off tie. Needed a point against world #1. Get to see Neco Williams in a Cymru kit for the next 13 years or more.”
Cymru Watch commented: “We’ll remember this international break as the time Neco Williams stepped up to the next level.”
Ninian Opinion wrote on Twitter: “Phenomenal that from Wales. The pressing, the work rate, the will to stick at it. Absolutely fantastic all of them but Neco Williams and the big man up front were exceptional. A proud man.”
Anfield Edition posted: “Neco Williams with another fantastic performance for Wales tonight in a left wing-back role. Seems to be finding his feet.”
Llion Rhys said: “Neco Williams really needs to play regular football, he was outstanding tonight, what a week he’s had! He’s way too good not to be playing regular football, such an exciting prospect!”
And Matt Harrison wrote: “Neco Williams tonight by the way...wow...and I should add ‘again’. Really hope he plays regular football somewhere.”
Williams is among a clutch of Wales players who could attract transfer interest in January ahead of the World Cup play-offs, which take place in March.
But on the evidence of his latest performances in the red of Wales, Rob Page can rest assured that he has an immense talent in his ranks when it comes to the Wrexham-born star.