Joel Matip’s absence in the Liverpool FC XI for Wednesday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspurs paved the way for 19-year-old Rhys Williams to make his top-flight debut for the Reds, and the teenage defensive starlet was in flying form at Anfield when going up against the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
The 19-year-old centre-back partnered Fabinho at the heart of the hosts’ backline, and Williams’ ariel prowess came in handy for Klopp’s side in dealing with the ever-present threat of the Spurs skipper and talisman Harry Kane.
Williams impressive debut showing was hailed by the Reds gaffer Jurgen Klopp in the German’s post-match address following his team coming out on top with a late winner in a 2-1 victory for the Premier League holders.
“Oh my God! Outstanding. Rhys Williams. It’s nowadays playing against the Alan Shearer with Harry Kane. They avoid Rhys and put Fabinho for the long balls, said Klopp, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“Rhys was so strong in the air. He played a pass for our first goal and has the right amount of confidence so you don’t have to explain how it works.”
Despite Klopp’s refusal to rule out Matip for the mid-week game at Anfield against Jose Mourinho’s outfit, the Cameroonian international was missing in action when the lineups were announced, with Williams getting the nod ahead of Nathan Phillips to make his first Premier League appearance in the Reds shirt.
