Liverpool have been forced into a number of changes in recent weeks. The Reds have lost a host of stars due to illness and injury and as a result the backup brigade are getting more time than expected. One replacement player is drawing unfair criticism. Neco Williams is suffering due to warped expectations due to the rise of the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
Injury crisis and the academy stars
A number of academy stars are being given game time in the first team this season.
The Reds have called upon Rhys Williams, Neco Williams, Nat Phillips and Curtis Jones in recent weeks.
This is due to a flurry of injuries which have left the Reds short handed in the midst of a hectic schedule.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s calf injury has given Neco Williams back to back starts for the Reds with the teenager facing Atalanta and Brighton this week.
Criticism of Neco Williams
Neco Williams has drawn criticism from some corners of the Liverpool fan base this week.
The teenager gave away a penalty at the weekend and frequently lost possession both on Saturday and in midweek against Atalanta.
It’s fair to say these two games weren’t the youngster’s finest hours.
However, the criticism levelled at Williams has been completely unfair and over the top and has been fuelled by warped expectations.
Starboys and the rest
The rise of starboys throughout the European game in particular has caused expectations of youngsters to be warped.
The rapid ascent of the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho has caused many fans to expect too much too soon of teeangers.
Neco Williams is taking his first steps in the first team, playing in defence in arguably the toughest league in world football.
He is bound to make mistakes, he is bound to offer less than his senior colleague – who wouldn’t? Neco’s senior colleague is the best in the world at his job.
Far too much is being expected of a player so young and inexperienced. He is learning on the job, he will get better.
We can’t expect every player to burst onto the scene a ready made superstar.
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