The departure of a generational talent invariably leaves a void, but for Liverpool, the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold`s move to Real Madrid in June has proven particularly challenging. Alexander-Arnold, a homegrown star, was not merely a right-back; he was a strategic fulcrum, a deep-lying playmaker whose vision and passing range earned him comparisons to midfield maestros. His exit marked the end of an era, and the beginning of a complex tactical puzzle for incoming manager Arne Slot.
The Search for a Successor: More Complicated Than Anticipated
Liverpool`s Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and newly appointed sporting director Richard Hughes moved swiftly to address the gap. The £29.5 million acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen was intended to be a shrewd piece of business, bringing pace, dynamism, and an infectious personality to the right flank. Coupled with the promising pre-existing talent of Conor Bradley, Liverpool appeared to have a succession plan in place. However, the early stages of the season have revealed a less than seamless transition.
Frimpong`s inaugural Premier League foray was curtailed by injury, disrupting his integration. Meanwhile, Bradley has been battling his own share of setbacks under Slot`s tenure. Neither player has consistently demonstrated the commanding presence and dual-threat capability required, leading to a noticeable fragility on Liverpool`s right side. The situation has become so pronounced that Dominik Szoboszlai, a central midfielder of considerable attacking flair, has occasionally been deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role. While the versatile Hungarian has performed admirably, this improvised solution highlights the fundamental issues within the specialist right-back contingent.
It`s a testament to the tactical vacuum left behind when a player of Alexander-Arnold`s unique profile departs, that a midfielder is seen as the most reliable short-term fix.
Defensive solidity has also been a concern. The unconvincing form of Ibrahima Konate, who is reportedly being courted by Real Madrid, has hardly instilled confidence. In this landscape of defensive uncertainty and offensive adaptation, the echoes of a past decision reverberate with an almost ironic clarity: the sale of Neco Williams.
Neco Williams: The Overlooked Understudy Who Found His Stage
In July 2022, Liverpool sanctioned the £17 million sale of Neco Williams to Nottingham Forest. Williams, a product of Liverpool`s academy, had featured 33 times for the senior squad, registering six assists, and had gained valuable experience during a half-season loan at Fulham in the Championship. He left Anfield seeking regular first-team football, a prospect seemingly limited by Alexander-Arnold`s then-unassailable position.
During his formative years, Williams was billed as Alexander-Arnold`s understudy, carefully observing and integrating elements of the Three Lions star`s unique, ball-playing style into his own game. Alexander-Arnold himself once hailed Williams as “an amazing talent” with a “bright future,” a sentiment echoed by former manager Jurgen Klopp, who acknowledged Williams` “incredible” attacking ability. It was a clear indication of the club`s high regard for his potential.
Fast forward to the present, and Williams is indeed realizing that potential, albeit away from Anfield. At Nottingham Forest, he has blossomed into an established Premier League player, known for his naturally sturdy defensive style and impressive versatility across both defensive flanks. While his creative output, with a combined 3 goals and 4 assists across 98 appearances for Forest since 2022/23, may not rival Alexander-Arnold`s astounding numbers, it certainly doesn`t tell the full story of his consistent impact.
Williams` Consistent Ascent at Forest: A Snapshot
- Steadfast Presence: Has been a consistent fixture in a Forest side that, while often battling against relegation, has found stability and now aims for mid-table consolidation.
- Defensive Fortitude: Averaging a robust 6.7 successful duels and 2.3 tackles per game, showcasing his commitment and effectiveness without the ball.
- Understated Offensive Contribution: While not a primary creative hub, Williams still creates a chance per match and boasts an 89% pass completion rate, contributing to build-up play.
- Advanced Metrics: Data-driven platforms highlight his offensive instincts, ranking him among the top 17% of full-backs across Europe over the past year for shots taken and the top 18% for carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes.
Williams` sustained progress at the City Ground culminated in a new contract extending until 2029. His ability to adapt, perform, and consistently improve in the demanding Premier League speaks volumes about his character and skill set. And here lies the kernel of potential regret for Liverpool: in their current predicament, a player of Williams` profile – defensively sound, versatile, and with demonstrable attacking upside – could have offered Slot`s backline a much-needed layer of security and balance.
The Unseen Cost of Foresight: What Might Have Been
Alexander-Arnold’s legacy at Liverpool is secure, with 354 appearances and 92 assists solidifying his status as a modern club legend. His “one-of-a-kind technical qualities,” as Jamie Carragher famously put it, were akin to “having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back.” Williams is, admittedly, a different mould of player. Yet, perhaps that difference could have been an asset in Slot`s evolving tactical scheme, which reportedly emphasizes a reorientation of the creative hub towards attacking midfield areas.
The irony is palpable: Liverpool, now grappling with a right-back conundrum, once had a promising, homegrown talent specifically groomed in the shadow of their departed star. While the decision to sell Williams made sense at the time – offering him a pathway to regular football – the current struggles of Frimpong and Bradley, coupled with Williams` consistent evolution at Forest, paint a picture of a missed opportunity. It serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, the true value of a “future asset” is only fully appreciated once they are no longer on your books.
The football landscape is dynamic, and transfer decisions are complex. However, as Anfield navigates its post-Trent era, the performance of Neco Williams elsewhere serves as a quiet, yet persistent, `what if`.
