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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

'Limited' - Neco Williams addresses Liverpool issue and gives 'world class' reason

Neco Williams admits his playing time at Liverpool will be limited as long as "world class" duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson remain at the club.

Williams made just eight appearances for the Reds this season before joining Championship leaders Fulham on loan in January until the end of the campaign.

The 20-year-old, who is currently with the Wales squad preparing for Thursday's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Austria, has impressed during his time at Craven Cottage with two goals and two assists in 10 appearances playing at right-back.

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But while gaining from the experience of working alongside Alexander-Arnold and Robertson, Williams accepts he is behind the duo in the Anfield pecking order.

"As footballers, you just want to play as much football as possible," he said. "For me at Liverpool, it’s going to be limited game-time because of the players ahead of me and the world class players I’m with. I've got Trent and Andy Robertson in front of me.

"I've learnt a lot off Robbo, him being one of the best left-backs in the world, you learn a lot from just training with him every day. He's a great character. Whatever you need help with, he's always there giving his honest answer. I have learnt massively off him and especially Trent because he is on my side and ahead of me at the minute."

Of his time at Fulham, Williams added: “I’m really enjoying it. Coming to Wales has been about trying to keep up fitness but for this camp I’m playing regular football, enjoying it, scoring, assisting, so it’s going well and I feel I’m in the best possible shape I can be in.

"My main focus was to play as much as possible and get that match rhythm and match fitness. You can only do that by playing regular football. That's what I'm doing at the minute and I'm loving it. I've scored a few goals, getting assists, so everything's going smoothly so far. As long as I'm playing and I'm keeping fit everything should go smoothly."

Wales, who haven't featured at the World Cup since 1958, will face either Scotland or Ukraine later this year for a place in the finals in Qatar.

And Williams said: "This is the semi-final for us and all the focus is on the game against Austria. This has been the main focus for us all, training to play as much football as possible and keeping as fit as possible. I’m sure the whole of Wales is looking forward to it. If we win that, then we’re one step closer to the World Cup.”

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