Liverpool man Rhys Williams had a very good game against Lincoln.
The Academy prospect lined up alongside Virgil van Dijk as he made his debut for the Reds.
Fresh off the back of a successful loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North, Rhys Williams took to the field on Thursday night and made light work of his first start under Jurgen Klopp.
He played 42 times for Kidderminster last season but it looks like he’ll be around the squad for cup games and rotation. The Harriers would like to have him back, but the uncertainties surrounding clubs outside the Football League might stop that move before it gets going.
Williams has been compared to van Dijk in his stature and the way he communicates with the team around him. He recently signed a new contract, which the Evening Express described as ‘long-term’.
Goal.com journalist Neil Jones tweeted his praise of the 19-year-old, who he described as ‘tall and commanding’.
The Liverpool coaching staff must have an eye on him as one for the future, although he appears to be behind fellow Academy graduate Billy Koumetio.
Sepp van den Berg was signed from PEC Zwolle last season after playing 22 games in the senior side before he was 17, but the Dutchman seems to have plateaued.
Van den Berg now seems like he’s being Koumetio and Williams in the pecking order, despite having played 21 times in the Eredivisie.
After the level at which Williams performed against Lincoln, it doesn’t appear as if Koumetio and van den Berg will be able to muscle their way into the cup team.
Liverpool face Arsenal in the league and they’ll also take them on in the next round of the Carabao Cup, in what could be a repeat of that excellent 5-5 draw both sides played out last season.