Rhys Williams must start vs Midtjylland
Liverpool starlet Rhys Williams must start against Midtjylland.
The centre-back has had an incredible 2020/21 season so far and has appeared in every single Champions League game so far, and tonight should be no different.
Liverpool’s trip to Midtjylland tonight has nothing on the line, as the club has already topped Group D of the competition. Youngsters like Rhys Williams should start without any second thoughts.
Williams made his debut for the senior Liverpool team in the third round of the EFL Cup against Lincoln City in an impressive 7-2 win. Since that game, he’s gone from strength to strength.
He came on as a substitute against Midtjylland in the return fixture at Anfield after Fabinho was forced off the field in the 30th minute. The game finished 2-0 in favour of Liverpool, with Williams impressing the likes of Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, and most importantly Jurgen Klopp.
The manager has already spoken of his admiration over Rhys Williams’ talent – as reported by the Echo. Klopp admitted that he didn’t know too much about Williams until Vitor Matos (LFC’s elite development coach) spoke highly of him.
"He said: “Before that, I hadn’t heard much about Rhys, to be honest, and so that’s what I call a big impact because it has helped us massively. He is a good kid on top of that, a proper Scouser.”"
His next milestone was his first Champions League start in the Reds’ emphatic 5-0 win at Atalanta’s home ground, the Gewiss Stadium. His composure on the ball, game-sense, and aerial presence stood out to me. Almost like a mini Virgil Van Dijk.
The club’s official website previously reported the centre-back’s desire to become a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp’s side.
"Williams said: “I want to become an irreplaceable piece of this side. It’s a great team with great players. I know it’s going to be hard but I’m willing to put the effort in, keep working and hopefully keep putting in performances when I get the chance.”"
With Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez injured for lengthy periods of time, Jurgen Klopp cannot afford to risk the fitness of Joel Matip and Fabinho. Hence, playing either of the pair in tomorrow’s game against Midtjylland would make zero sense.
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Tonight presents the perfect opportunity for Williams to gain some more experience, while also lead what is expected to be an inexperienced back-line.