A host of Championship clubs are monitoring the situation of Liverpool defender Rhys Williams, according to Goal. The centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough campaign during 2020/21.
Due to a severe injury crisis, the youngster was utilised on a number of occasions last season. The 20-year-old played 19 games in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Next season, regular football is highly unlikely. Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will all be fit again, whilst Ibrahima Konate has joined from RB Leipzig.
As a result, he could be loaned out. Liverpool have already received several enquiries regarding the youngster from Championship clubs.
Although he looked slightly raw last season, he did do a job. He will be deemed as one for the future by Klopp and a loan spell away from Anfield should help him.
The Reds boss was full of praise for him last season. Following a 4-2 win over Manchester United, he described the defender has ‘absolutely insane’ and ‘immense’ to the club’s official website.
Williams has come through the youth ranks at Anfield. Last season would have been extremely beneficial. It is, however, important that he continues to play regularly next season.
Future star: Loan move away from Liverpool benefit Williams
It might feel like a bit of a kick in the teeth for the young centre-back to be loaned out. He must view it as a positive though and a key part of his development.
The Championship is a tough league. In this day and age lots of players head there to aid their progress and it could do wonders for Williams.
With a full quota of central defenders to choose from, the youngster is unlikely to get close to the matchday squad.
As a result, going on loan looks paramount for Williams. The challenge for Liverpool is to ensure he heads to a club where first-team football is guaranteed.
What have Liverpool supporters said about Williams?
Plenty have agreed over the course of last season that he could do with toughening up a bit. Although he did a decent job, there is definitely scope for him to improve.
Last season he did earn some praise from Liverpool supporters. One, in particular, compared him to former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand.
Of course, there is lot of work for Williams to do in order to emulate Ferdinand. A loan spell could do wonders for his Liverpool career, however.