It’s almost four years since Neco Williams left Liverpool, and he has become an ever-present at Nottingham Forest.
The Welshman has been one of Forest’s most important players this season — one of the few to maintain their level from last season.
Williams has kept Salah quiet in their recent meetings, showing himself as a two-way full-back who quite frankly would be brilliant to have at Liverpool now.
He just received Forest’s Player of the Month award for January, and played every minute in the Premier League up until receiving a red card against Crystal Palace two weeks ago.
Start, bring on, leave on the bench vs Forest… ✅🔄🪑
Which Liverpool gem do you most want to see vs Forest?
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield. Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Kieran Morrison during Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Carabao Cup Fourth Round.
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He has well and truly shed the ‘squad player’ label assigned to him at Anfield.
Neco Williams since leaving Liverpool
The first stop on Williams‘ post-Liverpool journey was Craven Cottage, where he helped Fulham to a Championship title win.
Then he moved to the City Ground, and has played the vast majority of league games he has been available for.
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Last season, he played all but three of the 38 as Forest achieved the unthinkable, qualifying for Europe after finishing 17th the year before.
Wales v Belgium: UEFA Nations League - League Path Group 4
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Still only 24, there is room for improvement in his all-around game. As he is right now, though, he probably gets into half the starting lineups in the division, at a minimum.
The biggest evolution in his game has been switching from the right side of the defensive line over to the left. It’s a unique profile, and one which allows him to cut in and take more shots than any defender in the Premier League.
Vitor Pereira, the new Forest boss, liked inverting his full-backs at Wolves, so Williams shouldn’t worry about a diminished role under his new coach.
Neco Williams could return to Liverpool
Williams hasn’t even entered his prime years. He still has the best part of a decade to build his legacy.
With Andy Robertson possibly leaving Liverpool in the summer, a new left-back will be needed.
There are plenty of options, but Williams is honestly tempting. He and Milos Kerkez would offer elite depth, and he can always cover in his old right-back position as well.
How wrong was Alan Pardew about Milos Kerkez? 😅
Milos Kerkez pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
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It’s also worth remembering that Forest are at risk of relegation and in that case, it makes even more sense.
Williams needed to leave Liverpool to find his own identity outside the shadow of two legendary full-backs. Now that he has done that, a return to his old club doesn’t seem all that crazy. Right?
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