LIVERPOOL fans have praised Wrexham-born Neco Williams for bouncing back against online criticism to perform at the highest level of world football.

A minority of fans had criticised Williams who, at the age of 19, has been thrown into the depleted defence of the Premier League champions in the absence of Trent Alexander-Armstrong, Joe Gomez and James Milner.

Perceived mistakes in matches, including Saturday's draw with Brighton, had seen supporters rattle their keyboards in anger.

But an assured performance in last night's Champion's League tie against Ajax, that saw Liverpool top the group and confirm a place in the next round with a game to spare, has seen fans praise the Welsh youngster.

Williams, along with fellow 19-year-old Curtis Jones and young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher making his European debut, was among the Reds' top performers on the night.

Williams’ inswinging cross saw fellow academy graduate Curtis Jones score his first goal in the competition. It was the first time teenagers had combined to score a goal in the Champions League.

At the final whistle, manager Jurgen Klopp ran on to the pitch to hug and congratulate his three young players in turn.

"I am actually over the moon with the attitude and character we showed tonight,” Klopp said.

“We had great football moments, could have scored early, defended well, had counter-attacking chances in the second half, scored a wonderful goal and had to defend with all we had.

“I am very happy about the result and the performance in the circumstances.”
Klopp said he did not see the goal properly at the time but praised Jones for anticipating where the ball would land.

“Honestly it was a good cross from Neco because it is not a cross directed to the goalie but usually it’s a ball going for a goal-kick and no-one reacts,” he added.

“I have to watch it back to see the goal but I saw it was in the net and that is enough information for me.”

Fans have been praising the performance and Williams on social media.

One fan tweeted: "Your praise should be as loud as your abuse & criticism.

"He will be decent bro. People need to stop comparing him to Trent and let him do his thing. Confidence is key."

Another said: "Well done Neco. Hope all those people giving you abuse will hang their heads tonight. God bless."

And another: "Tops tonight! He'll grow into it. Not everyone is a taa and to be fair he defended really well and better than taa in some cases."

Other comments included: "Had a good game. Glad the criticism is helping to shape him into the lad he's gonna be! Way to go!!"

"100% agree, well done Neco. If Klopp believes then we are fools not to."

"He played well. I’ve been critical, but it is nice to see a really good performance from him."
"I will admit when I am wrong. Neco Williams has been class tonight, and his assist was sublime."