Former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams produced an outstanding display this afternoon to help Nottingham Forest beat West Ham United 1-0.
The Welshman signed for Steve Cooper’s side for £17million in July, leaving Anfield permanently in a bid to pick up regular minutes, and he made his home debut for the first Premier League game at the City Ground for 23 years.
A scrappy first-half goal from another former Red, Taiwo Awoniyi, decided a thrilling Super Sunday clash in which David Moyes’ Hammers had a goal disallowed, hit the woodwork three times, had a penalty saved and shots cleared off the line. And despite Nigerian striker Awoniyi’s goal, it was Williams who caught the eye of both Liverpool and Forest fans.
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The 21-year-old has big boots to fill down in Nottingham, taking on the right wing-back spot from Djed Spence - whose seven goal contributions while on loan last term earned him a multi-million pound move to Tottenham - and made an instant impact for his relentless attacking down the right and composure in defence.
The young full-back topped the charts for most touches (74), tackles (6), duels won (9), shots (4), successful crosses (3) and chances created (2) - highlighting an all-action wing-back performance. The Welshman was pivotal in Forest’s second-half performance defensively, specifically dropping to cover the near post from a corner to clear a Hammers’ header off the line.
And fans of both Liverpool and Forest had were in agreement over a warrior-like performance from the Welshman.
@mochashammaa tweeted: Neco williams is a warrior #NFOWHU #LFC
@jpjLFC65 tweeted: This Neco Williams lad at Forest looks good. Maybe #LFC should go in for him! Wait... what's that you say?!!
@jwales37 tweeted: Imo #NecoWilliams was outstanding for Forest today. Has Bale esque style about him imo. Think he will be one of best full backs in Premier league tbh.
@galihverpool tweeted: Love it when former players doing well at their new club, some performance that by the young welsh international right back Neco Williams
@winstanlypk tweeted: Made up for Neco Williams, took a fair amount of stick at Liverpool, motm for me today. Awoniyi looks very raw but kept going, not at our level yet.
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