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Michael Owen makes prediction about Liverpool teenager, after Ajax win

Will Butcher

Wed 2 December 2020 8:47, UK

Michael Owen has told BT Sport’s coverage (10.25pm, Tuesday) of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Ajax that while Neco Williams has not been playing to the best of his ability – he feels the Wales international has a “bright future” at Anfield.

Williams, 19, has been somewhat inconsistent when given the chance to shine this season during his eight league and cup appearances. With Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, he has come into the side – but struggled against Brighton on Saturday.

However, on Tuesday night, Williams was in sensational form. It was his cross that saw Liverpool score the only goal of the game, as Curtis Jones gambled and got beyond goalkeeper Andre Onana to volley the ball home.

Liverpool icon Owen commented on Williams after the match and discussed the right-back’s form. He stated that while his form has been indifferent, he knows from his Under-23 performances that he has a “bright future”.

“We haven’t seen the best from him,” Owen said. “Whenever we’ve seen him we’ve thought ‘is he good enough?’ In the Under-23’s he is a brilliant player. He’s got a right chance. It is the first time tonight that he has shown what he is, he’s got a bright future.”

TBR’s view – Williams really needs to take advantage

Right now, Williams is arguably going to enjoy more game time than he will at any other stage of the season. Alexander-Arnold remains sidelined with a calf problem and Williams is the initial, obvious replacement.

If he is to show what he is all about to Klopp and fans, then he needs to take the bull by the horns and continue to get to his best in the limited game time he has before Alexander-Arnold returns. This is a chance Williams cannot pass up.