Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has endured a difficult 2021/22 campaign so far but yesterday it did show some signs of an upturn in fortunes.
The centre-back was thrust into the first-team last season, amid several injuries to key defenders and his career will benefit from that experience.
In the summer, Jurgen Klopp decided to loan him out. Swansea took a punt on the youngster but perhaps surprisingly, he failed to win a regular place in Russell Martin’s team.
He made just seven appearances for the Swans and was sent back to Liverpool during the January transfer window. Now, he’s in limbo somewhat with the Reds choosing to keep at Anfield for the second half of the campaign.
Yesterday, he got himself a rare run-out for the under-23 outfit. They took on Blackburn Rovers at the Reds’ training ground and Williams came up trumps.
The young Liverpool side were trailing 1-0 after a Thomas Clayton own goal on the stroke of half-time and they left it late to draw level.
Williams rose highest from a corner in the 93rd minute to plant an unstoppable header into the Blackburn net and earn a share of the spoils.
Last season, Klopp raved about Williams. After a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford he called the player ‘absolutely insane’ for his efforts.
Quality: Williams remains one for the future at Liverpool
At 21 time is on the side of Williams and yesterday he offered Liverpool a timely reminder of the quality that he is capable of.
Last season proved a tough baptism of fire. Although he coped well in some of the games he played last season, he looked rather raw in some others.
That is to be expected but one thing that Liverpool boss Klopp is a master at is knowing when talented youngsters are ready for regular action.
Williams will be disappointed. He featured so often in the first-team last season that he’d have fancied playing regularly, especially during his loan at Swansea.
Yesterday will have given him bags of confidence and he will hope to kick on between now and the end of the season.
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