Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has called for former Reds defender Neco Williams to return to Anfield. Gerrard made the comments on TNT Sports this week following Williams's standout performance for Nottingham Forest in their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Saturday, August 29.
Williams, a versatile full-back and Wales international with 57 caps, joined Forest from Liverpool in 2022 for a fee of £16 million. He has since made 163 appearances for the club, scoring 4 goals and providing 9 assists. His display against Liverpool saw him start as a left wing-back and finish on the right, winning a penalty, making 9 passes into the final third, 8 line-breaking passes, and contributing 6 tackles, 3 blocks, and 3 clearances.
Steven Gerrard, who managed Williams for eight games at youth level during his own time at Liverpool, was clear in his assessment. "We need full-back cover here," Gerrard said on the broadcast. The former captain's remarks add a intriguing layer to the defender's future, especially as Williams has also been reported as a target for other Premier League sides like Manchester United and Newcastle United.
Gerrard's connection to Williams dates back to their shared history at the academy. Williams made 33 senior appearances for Liverpool and was part of the Premier League-winning squad in the 2019-20 season before his departure.
Liverpool's squad situation could make a move for defensive reinforcement logical. The club currently has several players sidelined, including defenders Calvin Bradley and Joe Gomez. Manager Andoni Iraola, who oversaw his first Anfield goal from striker Alexander Isak in the recent draw, may be assessing his options.
Williams's versatility across both full-back positions is a valuable asset. His performance against his former club demonstrated he can operate effectively at the Premier League level. For context, Liverpool's season has begun with two draws, leaving them 11th in the table with 2 points, having scored and conceded 4 goals. They sit 4 points behind leaders Manchester City.
In response to the speculation, the 25-year-old has remained focused on his current club. "Listen every day I'm focused on the badge I'm wearing right now and that's Forest and that's all I can do," Williams stated. His commitment is to Nottingham Forest and manager Oliver Glasner, despite the public endorsement from an Anfield icon.
The draw itself featured other notable moments. Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak, who joined from Newcastle United last summer for £125 million, scored. It was his first Anfield goal under Iraola, adding to the 4 goals he managed in 22 games during his debut season. England legend Stuart Pearce was critical of Isak's overall contribution in his analysis.
The immediate focus for Liverpool shifts to their next Premier League fixture, an away match against 9th-placed Ipswich on September 4. The early-season form shows room for improvement, and the ongoing speculation around players like Williams is part of the broader narrative as the transfer window approaches its end.
Whether a concrete move materializes is not yet clear. For now, Williams continues his duties at Nottingham Forest, while Liverpool prepares for its upcoming challenges with a squad looking to convert draws into wins and climb the standings.
