Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has criticised Liverpool’s decision to sell academy graduate Neco Williams, saying the club “should have kept him.”
Williams, who joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of six, struggled to establish himself in the first team and left for Nottingham Forest in 2022 for around £17 million after making 33 appearances for the Reds.
Now 25, Williams has developed into an important player for Forest and has impressed since leaving Anfield. Gerrard, who coached him during his academy days, praised his professionalism, competitiveness and mentality.
Speaking on TNT Sports before Liverpool’s match against Forest, Gerrard said Williams had developed significantly and believes he can still reach another level. He was particularly impressed that Williams has been performing strongly on the left side despite naturally being a right-back.
Gerrard said he wasn’t simply being sentimental and admitted: “Liverpool should have kept him.”
The former Liverpool captain also suggested that Williams could be even better if given a consistent run in his natural right-back position. His comments quickly gained support from Liverpool fans, with several agreeing that the club may have made a mistake letting him leave.
Interestingly, Williams has now returned to Anfield as a key Forest player, while reports indicate Tottenham are exploring a move for him before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
In short: Gerrard believes Liverpool let a talented academy product slip away, and Williams’ development at Forest has made the decision look even more questionable.
