Silva lining has given Neco form a big boost

NECO Williams needed all of 20 minutes to have Wales fans drooling.

Roars of ‘NECO, NECO, NECO’ rang through a packed Cardiff City Stadium during Wales’ World Cup qualifying semi-final against Austria when the attacking full-back - operating in an unorthodox left wingback role for Wales - took no prisoners and left two Austrian defenders in ditches near their own corner flag before dancing beyond the debris and skirting a dangerous low cross into the box.

Nothing came of the threat and Austria booted the ball long as Wales railed forward again, but the 15 seconds of scintillating skill served as something of an announcement from the 20-year-old on his 18th appearance for his country. When Williams picked up the ball again on the halfway line not a minute later, baying Wales fans were already at attention, imploring the defender to shoot as he reached the fringes of the box. From then, Williams played as if a released man.

Wales’ 2-1 play-off semi-final victory over Austria served up another indomitable performance from a player who feels more and more like the weight has been lifted from his shoulders since his move from Premier League Liverpool to Championship side Fulham.

“It’s been the best decision he’s made,” said Wales manager Robert Page as he hailed the player’s mettle to force through the switch to Fulham. “He [Neco] had to force the loan deal in the end. Absolutely, it’s the right thing to do for himself. He’s got to think of himself and his career.”

Since William’s arrival to Fulham on loan from Liverpool on Deadline Day, Williams has been relishing the sharpest and most consistent form of his senior career.

Heading into Wales’ November World Cup qualifiers, Williams could boast only seven minutes in the Premier League in a 5-0 rout of Watford, one minute in Liverpool’s Champions League 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in October and 90 minutes of EFL Cup action against Preston in which Williams provided an assist in the 2-0 victory.

Yet, upon joining Marco Silva’s outfit in the second half of the season, Williams has been handed a new lease of life.

His nine appearances amount to over 785 minutes in which time the Welshman has supplied the Cottagers with two assists and two goals. But his audacious on-pitch flair and jaw-dropping efforts from range have caught the eye.