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Soccer fans have never been the most patient group.
Whether it’s a longing for silverware, the agitation for slow play, or just the demand for another fresh face, it doesn’t take long for familiar murmurs and murmurs to spread.
That has only been exacerbated in the modern era where, thanks to sports news channels on the go, instant content on websites, and of course the relentless nature of social media, what happened yesterday could have been in a different millennium on another planet.
Not surprisingly, Jurgen Klopp is the fifth longest-serving coach of the league’s 92 clubs, despite being in charge of Anfield for less than five years.
It is the culture of ‘now’. Instant gratification. And if it doesn’t come this second, people will know.
To be fair, Liverpool supporters have earned a reputation for being among the most forgiving when it comes to allowing time for things to flourish. Waiting three decades between championships develops a certain perspective.
But this week several have been disappointed in the most horrific way.
The reason? A 19-year-old did not have a particularly good match at the Carabao Cup.
The player in question, of course, is Neco Williams, who has received fearsome and sometimes personal criticism on social media following a 7-2 third-round win at Lincoln City on Thursday.
Williams would be the first to admit that his performance was not the best. More composure was required when attacking and, on the defensive, he was sometimes found lacking in strength.
And after bursting onto the first-team scene in such impressive fashion in the same competition against Arsenal 11 months ago, the teenager has struggled in recent outings for consistency.
But that’s what happens. Williams is taking his first steps as a professional footballer and the reason he plays in these games is to help him gain experience and highlight any deficiencies.
It is no coincidence that his best performances came when he was surrounded by Liverpool’s established first-choice lineup.
Certainly, Klopp is a huge fan. Also the head of Wales, Ryan Giggs. It was only at the beginning of this month that the right-back made his international debut for his country, and in his next outing, he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Nations League clash against Bulgaria.
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No youngster arrives fully developed. Not even Lionel Messi. In fact, you’re scared to think about the reaction if social media had existed when Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard were learning from mistakes early in their careers.
The medium has been an established part of everyday life for a good decade. The likes of Williams and his generation will have known little different.
Almost all young players will have used it when they grew up and would not have thought twice about continuing as they progressed through the Academy ranks.
Since footballers in the recent past have been criticized for not being in touch with their fanbase, the likes of Twitter and Instagram give followers a direct connection.
Except it has a cost. With the praise comes abuse, trolls, attention seekers and, yes, jealousy, almost always from an anonymous account. Blocking out the noise from that vocal minority has become a recently acquired attribute for all players.
And it’s generally worse for local youngsters – bright new signings are often pleased to a much greater degree, whether online or in the stands.
That said, one of Anfield’s most enjoyable nights last season was in the FA Cup fourth round replay against Shrewsbury Town when an under-23 team achieved a memorable victory in a packed stadium.
It didn’t matter, there’s no guarantee that any of the players involved will have a career with the Reds. The crowd wanted to show their support and gave an unequivocal endorsement. They knew he wouldn’t be perfect, and he shouldn’t be of such budding talent either.
That assist will be lost next Thursday, when a team likely to once again feature a mix of youth and squad players, including Williams, take on Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
There will come a time when Williams, like every young hopeful, will come to a crossroads. A decision will be made about your future path.
But after 10 starts? Definitely not. It remains an important part of Klopp’s plans and the manager has every faith that it can continue to develop and grow.
Williams will mature. However, the same cannot be said for the pathetic naysayers of promising youngsters in every club.
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