[ad_1]
After making a long-awaited first-team debut for Liverpool in a 7-2 League Cup win over Lincoln, Rhys Williams has set his sights on a long-term role at Anfield.
Williams has been part of the Reds’ academy ranks since 2011, and has risen through the ranks to become a senior figure at the youth level, as a staple of the U23 team.
Last season he was on loan to Kidderminster Harriers out of the league, and after a productive campaign in the sixth division, he returned to a new contract with Liverpool.
A debut in just three games on the season was certainly unexpected, but injuries to Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Billy Koumetio, and a reluctance to play Sepp van den Berg or Nat Phillips, gave him a chance.
“It’s a moment my family and I have been dreaming of since I was a kid signing at nine,” Williams told LFCTV after the third round win.
“They have rewarded me with a new contract, and now the coach has put his faith in me to play a cup match, with which I am delighted.
“It was a brilliant result for the guys and I am happy to move on to the next round.”
Williams has been training with the first team on a regular basis as of late, explaining that hopes for a starting job at Sincil Bank were first ignited in a fixed play session Tuesday.
It would have been a daunting prospect for the 19-year-old, regardless of whether the opponent was from League One, and he needed Klopp’s calming influence to calm his nerves.
“He told me not to be nervous, to have fun and play with the boys,” Williams continued.
“Obviously, taking a step forward here is something very important to me, playing with world-class players. They helped me get through it, but he just told me ‘don’t be nervous and play your game.’
The teenager started alongside Virgil van Dijk in the back, before switching partners when Fabinho replaced the Dutchman at halftime, and overall Williams impressed, albeit with a lapse before Tayo Edun’s consolation.
“You can see why he’s the best in the world,” he said of Van Dijk.
“Talking constantly, I knew I was young and nervous. I’ve never felt more secure around someone than playing with Virg. “
Williams clearly caught the attention of Klopp, who relished the fact that none of his center-backs suffered injuries while speaking to Sky Sports after the game, and now the defender is looking to follow in the footsteps of his former academy teammates.
“Neco and Curt are the most recent, obviously. They have managed to establish themselves as suitable players now in the team, ”he said.
“They did well last year, they came in, they played some Prem games, they helped the team win.
“That’s my next goal right now, trying to become one of those guys and moving on from there.”
It’s a lofty goal, but one that Williams is right to set, as these ambitions are necessary to succeed at a club the size of Liverpool.
There could also be an opening, with Klopp opting not to sign a new fourth-choice center-back and relying on Fabinho alongside the club’s young options, with Williams joining Koumetio as a firm contender in that regard.
