The Fir Park defender on being star-struck at Derby and Chelsea as he aims to make his mark at Motherwell
Motherwell's Dylan Williams
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By Andy McGilvray
Dylan Williams was star-struck by bosses Wayne Rooney and Thomas Tuchel, and played with some genuine heroes – but now wants to make a name for himself at Motherwell.
The English left-back was handed his debut by Rooney at Derby County, and rubbed shoulders with stars like N’golo Kane, Thiago Silva and Reece James under Tuchel at Chelsea.
However, the 22-year-old finds himself at Fir Park, via Burton Albion, and is ready to kick-start his career at Fir Park.
“When I first saw Wayne, I couldn’t believe it,” said Williams. “Every pass was going two yards wide because I was so star-struck, but, as soon as you get to know him, and have a conversation with him, you do not think he was a Manchester United and England legend – you would think he was just a normal bloke, so down to earth, so humble.
Wayne Rooney ahead of UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Play Offs, first leg match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Wayne Rooney(Image: PA Wire )
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“He was such a good mentor for me. He taught me so much, on and off the pitch, and gave me my debut for Derby against West Brom, and praised me a lot.
“He made me and my family so proud, and I’m so grateful to play under him.
“He just gives you so much confidence. He let me play with so much freedom. He said when you’re a left-back, play forward, don’t turn back.
“If you make a mistake, you make a mistake, which, as a full-back, as any player on the pitch, that’s all you want to hear.
“[With Tuchel] our relationship was so good, he tried to integrate me into the first-team squad. Every morning I’d walk in and he would say, ‘Ah, Bob Dylan’ and I didn’t have a clue who that was!
“Every time I trained he would tell me how much he loved my energy and confidence, and wants me to be infectious within the squad.
“I played with guys like Kante, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, the list is so long. I learned so much from them. Reece James was so good to learn from because he was so professional in everything he did. The standards he sets are unbelievable.
“It’s so surreal, looking back now, I’m so proud of myself and hopefully I can get to that stage again.
“This is a restart, 100 per cent. I want to use this to get back to enjoying football, to wanting to play, to do everything that a footballer wants to do. It’s the best job in the world, and for me to be able to play this game is amazing.”
Motherwell's Dylan Williams celebrates his goal against HB Torshavn
Motherwell's Dylan Williams celebrates his goal against HB Torshavn(Image: Raymond Davies/ProSports/Shutterstock)
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Well boss Alfred Johansson was delighted to add former Hibs and Dundee United midfielder Dylan Levitt from Leyton Orient on a two-year deal, ahead of tonight’s visit by the Terrors.
He said: “United are a team that are really good in high pressing, that are extremely fast in counter-attack.
“We are going to have to be at our best to have a chance. We have seen that if we don’t play to our best, we don’t win games.”