As he prepares for a return to Anfield, Neco Williams has been backed to come through an up and down season for Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old has had peaks and troughs in his form, and has also been in and out of the team as the Reds battle for survival. Head coach Steve Cooper, though, is pleased with the progress Williams has made and is confident his fellow Welshman will be able to build on it.
With Serge Aurier sidelined due to injury, the defender has had a run in the side of late. And that is likely to put him in line to face his former club on Saturday, having joined Forest from Liverpool last summer in a £17 million deal.
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“Me and Neco have spoken pretty openly about it,” said Cooper. “It’s his first year playing a lot in the Premier League - although I know he’s had spells out of the team as well.
“Overall, he’s made good progression. But in making that progression, there’s been some real positives. He started the season really well and put in some really important performances.
“And then there’s been times where there’s been a little lull. There’s no shame in that. I’ve told him that’s pretty normal for his age - you could also say it about some of the other young players in our team, they’ve just gone through it at different times.
“But overall, he has definitely made progress. We’re happy with him.
“He’s going to Anfield this weekend. If he plays, it will be an important game for him, having spent so much time there from the age of six or seven. I was coaching at Liverpool at the time and I remember him.
“He’s had a typical first year in Premier League football, where, on the whole, I think he’s progressed, but that journey is up and down. He’s also had a World Cup in there.
“What I do know is he’s a great lad, in terms of his attitude. He’s really committed to his work and to getting better. He really feels the disappointments because he wants to do so well. And he really feels the highs for the same reason. That will help him get to where he wants to get to, because attitude is so important.”
The Reds have switched from a four-man defence to three at the back in their last two games, leaving Williams to operate as a full-back. It is a change which has suited him, and Cooper feels that versatility can be an asset.
“He can do both,” added the Forest boss. “He can also play on both sides, as you’ve seen for Wales and as he did for us earlier in the season.
“There’s lots of strings to his bow. Sometimes certain games and certain formations will help certain players and their profiles. Neco will be no different.”
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