Liverpool defender Neco Williams admitted he doesn’t yet know where he’ll be playing next year, and namechecked Gary Neville when detailing how much modern-day full-backs have progressed.
The Welsh right-back, 21, was loaned out to Fulham in the winter window. Williams made an instant impact, bagging two goals and two assists to help push the Cottagers towards promotion.
Attacking returns from the full-back positions are increasingly common in the modern game. Indeed, the vast bulk of top teams now operate with attack-minded full-backs that are just as important to their team as any playmaker.
When speaking to WalesOnline, Williams explained the development of the position and namechecked Man Utd legend Gary Neville in the process.
While Neville was undoubtedly one of the greatest full-backs the Premier League has seen, even he has gone on record to state his amazement at the influence modern full-backs now have.
“I think it just happens naturally when you look at modern full-backs have developed,” said Neco Williams.
“They’re not like your standard Gary Neville kind of full-back today, I suppose, they’re more offence minded.
“The best around, players like Trent Alexander Arnold, Andy Robertson, Joao Cancelo of Manchester City, are like midfielders or wingers trying to get assists and score, rather than just defend. It’s an exciting role because you feel as important as any other player on the pitch.”
Neco Williams unsure on Liverpool future
Williams’ loan spell will conclude this summer and the Welshman will return to Anfield a more rounded player.
However, only time will tell whether he will remain on Merseyside beyond the summer.
Admitting the need for regular minutes is greater than ever, Williams added: “I’m at the age where I just want to be playing week in week out and I need that experience. That was the main thing in January when Fulham were interested.
“To play regularly is great, to be promoted makes it even sweeter and hopefully we’ll make it even better by winning the league.
“It’s been a great loan, I will be going back to Liverpool in the summer feeling like a more mature player – and definitely an improved player. And getting promoted is a nice one to put on the CV, too!”
Williams then admitted he doesn’t yet know where he’ll be playing next year. And with Alexander-Arnold unmoveable at right-back, his chances of ever becoming a regular starter at Liverpool are slim.
“I don’t know yet where I will be playing next season,” admitted Williams.
“I’m focussing on getting this year done, get the Wales games over in June and we’ll see what happens then. If that’s either staying at Liverpool, or if it’s going out on loan again, I’m not entirely sure at this stage.
“I’ve been at Liverpool since I was six and you always want to play for the team you grew up with. But I know it’s not going to be easy.
“Trent is only 23 himself, for me he’s the best right-back in the world. I watch him in games and training and try to learn as much as possible from him.
“Trent and Andy are incredible players who have been doing it for years. So it’s always going to be tough trying to get into that team and be a regular starter.
“However, the key thing for me is just improving every day, taking in as much information off players and staff as possible and trying to put it into my own game.”
