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Neco Williams does not seem like someone who is easily puzzled.
Having won the Premier League with Liverpool and scored a goal in a one-game win in just his second appearance for Wales, he has achieved more than the average 19-year-old full-back.
But even this prodigiously talented young man admits he was surprised by the experience of coming in as a substitute to score in injury time and win Wales in Sunday’s Nations League game against Bulgaria.
“Making my debut for my country, then making my home debut and even scoring is a surreal moment,” says Williams, who won his first international match off the bench during Thursday’s 1-0 win in Finland.
“I wasn’t expected to be in the box in the 94th minute. Luckily, I put my bangs on the ball and it was a surreal moment.
“I’m sure my friends and my family are proud of me.”
That is beyond question. Born in Wrexham, Williams is the son of two Welsh parents, including a Welsh-speaking father.
He played for Wales in all age groups and has spoken passionately about his love for his country.
However, that did not stop England from trying to convince the young Liverpool man to switch allegiance.
Until he made his senior competitive debut for Wales against Finland, Williams could have qualified to play for England through an English grandfather, not that he would have been interested.
“England was trying to call my agent a lot and wanted to talk to me, but I didn’t want to,” he says.
“My family is Welsh, I am Welsh and my friends are Welsh. So it was always going to be Wales.”
There we have it then. In case there is any doubt.
As it happens, Wales’ next game will be against England in a friendly on October 8.
Historically, it is a match in which Wales have struggled, winning only 14 of their 102 encounters with their neighbors and the most recent victory was in 1984.
But Williams, true to form and no one to be fooled by any challenge, believes Wales are capable of beating an English side they last met in a group stage match at Euro 2016.
“Next month we have England and it will be a great game,” he says.
“With the quality we have in this team we are going to show them that we are capable of beating them. I am sure it will be a great match.
“All the boys are excited and can’t wait for the game.”
The match at Wembley saw Williams take on the man who occupies the right-back position in Liverpool’s first team, a player he seems to model much of his game on: Trent Alexander-Arnold.
At 21, the England player is not a veteran, although his outstanding performances for Liverpool in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs have also earned him a number of individual awards.
Williams is already showing with his attacking displays how he is learning from Alexander-Arnold and, with players like Gareth Bale as inspiration for Wales, he is also not short of mentors in international football.
“Learning from the best players in the world for clubs and countries is something a young man like me has always dreamed of,” says Williams.
“As a child, I have always been an attacking player. I have played in the band, I have even played in the role of tenth.
“For me as a player I have always looked at forwards. To be honest, wherever I play I am grateful and I will always put a change.
“I will continue to improve as a player and I will continue to show dedication, I will be humble and if all that comes together I will be a first-rate player.”
