Liverpool fans react to Rhys Williams' performance

Rhys Williams delivered a performance of the highest order after making his senior debut for Liverpool during a 7-2 victory against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup last night.

It was such a dominant and accomplished performance that it could open the door to another potential start against Arsenal in the fourth round of the competition next week.

Williams, 19, was utterly imperious alongside Virgil van Dijk in the first half and was just as effective with Fabinho in the second.

He was key in Liverpool’s patient build-up play which saw Williams clock up an extremely impressive passing accuracy of 96.5% – which was only bettered by Van Dijk who played 45 minutes less than the teenager.

Williams also completed 85 passes which according to WhoScored, was only beaten by Marko Grujic (96).

It was about as calm and assured as it can get from a player who spent last season on loan with Kidderminster Harriers in National League North.

Williams also produced one of the outstanding plays of the match after his pin-point long-range pass to find Divock Origi was struck to perfection and directly led to the third goal which was swept home by Curtis Jones.

He never looked out of place alongside both Van Dijk and Fabinho, who are both among the world’s best in their respective positions. It was telling how Williams was utilised ahead of Sepp van den Berg which could suggest that the teenager is expected by Klopp to play a more prominent role in the first team this season.

Williams was instinctively alert from the get-go and vindicated Klopp’s reoccurring stance that Liverpool’s central defensive prospects are in no need of further recruitment with such talented options from the academy at the manager’s disposal.

LINCOLN, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Rhys Williams of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Lincoln City and Liverpool at Sincil Bank Stadium on September 24, 2020 in Lincoln, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

What more can he do?

Williams answered the question impressively and came through the 90 minutes without injury. This was particularly important considering three of Klopp’s central defensive options in the form of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Billy Koumetio all suffered injuries in the past seven days.

Fitness and durability will be key if Williams is to gain more experience under Klopp as the Liverpool boss needs ready-made options he can immediately count on at any given moment.

Williams’ performance will have done the defender a world of confidence and the swagger in his play typified the incredible work overseen at the academy by Alex Inglethrope and Vitor Matos who have implemented Klopp’s preferred style of play into all section of the youth development programme at the club.

It means that if Klopp is to offer his array of young talent the opportunity in the senior set-up then players already are accustomed and attuned to how the Liverpool boss likes to play.

This is so important as it means the Liverpool ethos and philosophy is implemented into players from an early age and this is only going to benefit the club going forward.

Williams is a direct beneficiary of this having progressed through the academy ranks since U10’s level and his performance against Lincoln was vindication to that particular notion.

He made two tackles, three interceptions, one clearance and won four of his aerial defensive duels – more than any player on the pitch.

Capped at England Under-18 level, Williams is renowned for his dominance in the air and his commanding physicality at the back and it showed last night to indicate to Klopp that Liverpool have yet another young and aspiring central defensive prospect to be reckoned with.

As far as the court of fan opinion goes, Liverpool fans have made up their minds that Williams is must start in the fourth round clash with Arsenal. Hopefully, Klopp feels the same way…

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Joshua Kerr

Josh is a sports journalist from the south who has previously reported on the Reds both home and away from the press box. His idol is Joel Matip, while Madrid 19 to this day remains a blur to him.