Academy graduate could finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool after Fabrizio Romano update

Academy graduate could finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool after Fabrizio Romano update

Liverpool may have a unique opportunity this summer to address two key positions at once, finally moving on from the influence of Trent Alexander-Arnold while also planning for life beyond Andy Robertson.

With each passing week, the absence of Alexander-Arnold has become increasingly noticeable at Anfield.

Few players in world football possess his level of quality, particularly when it comes to distribution and creativity from deep areas. His ability to control games and unlock defences remains almost unmatched.

While Conor Bradley has often been viewed as the natural successor, persistent injury concerns have cast doubt over whether he can be relied upon as a long-term first-choice option.

There is no question he can still play an important role in the squad, but Liverpool require greater certainty in such a crucial position.

At the same time, Jeremie Frimpong has yet to convince as a dependable defensive option, with his strengths clearly more suited to attacking roles further up the pitch.

That lack of trust only reinforces the need for a specialist solution.

This summer presents the ideal moment for Richard Hughes to act decisively.

More than a year on from Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Liverpool have the chance to finally secure a true successor, one capable of restoring balance to the team and one who will know all about what it's like to wear the Liverbird on his chest because he has already done it.

After a significant number of homegrown players departed the club last summer, there is a growing need for the club to revisit that market.

The situation is even more pressing with uncertainty surrounding Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones, both of whom could follow suit and leave in the upcoming window.

It perhaps explains why Richard Hughes had targeted players like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. However, both ultimately made moves to Manchester City, leaving Liverpool still searching for the right additions.

Despite those setbacks, there are still viable homegrown options available. One name, in particular, stands out - not just because he qualifies as homegrown, but because he is also club-trained, adding even greater value.

That player is Neco Williams. A product of Liverpool’s academy, Williams showed clear promise early in his career, earning the trust of Jurgen Klopp during his time at the club.

Since moving to Nottingham Forest, he has taken his game to another level.

Over the past two seasons, Williams has developed significantly, maturing into a more complete and consistent performer - making him an increasingly compelling option for a return to Anfield.

© IMAGO - Neco Williams Liverpool

The 24-year-old has been a pivotal part of a Nottingham Forest side competing in the Premier League and in the Europa League as well.

Williams has played both as right-back but has predominantly been playing as a left-back, despite this being his more unnatural position.

Yet he's flourished in the role - especially defensively. Among full-backs in the Premier League, he has averaged the third most successful defensive actions (9.81 per 90 minutes) and the fifth most interceptions (4.76 per 90 minutes).

Williams is simply brilliant in his reading of the game and very consistently wins his duels. Among defenders in the league, no one has won more ground duels than the Welshman (149).

He's a different player to Alexander-Arnold, more explosive and direct than a ball-playing playmaker. In this sense he is very much in the mould of Bradley, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Liverpool want to add more speed and directness to their game. They also need a player who can consistently put crosses into the box and this is what Williams has been doing over the course of the last two seasons. This season he ranks fifth for crosses into the penalty area (3.31 per 90 minutes).

Jurgen Klopp has previously praised his left foot as being 'incredible' and he showcased that at the weekend, registering two assists for Forest against Tottenham in a crunch tie at the weekend.

Earlier on in the season, Williams also registered an assist against Liverpool at Anfield.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Williams have a number of suitors from the Premier League and that he could leave Forest this summer.

Liverpool should be one of the teams pursuing a move for him.

The Reds can get him for a cut price as well. When they sold him to Forest for £17m back in 2022, Liverpool inserted a 15% sell on clause which could mean Richard Hughes getting him for a much more favourable fee.

And it might make even more sense to bring Williams in because of his ability to play left-back which could see him replace Andy Robertson and become the back-up to Milos Kerkez in that role.