Neco Williams HAILED by proud Liverpool fans after Anfield return

Liverpool were handed their first defeat of the season when Nottingham Forest won 1-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds were frustrated by Forest throughout the match, and it was a goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi that broke the deadlock in the 72^nd minute.

It was the first time Liverpool have lost under Arne Slot and also the first goal that the side have conceded in the Premier League this season.

Former Liverpool academy player Taiwo Awoniyi, who never made a senior appearance for the Reds, was an unused substitute in the match but there was another former Red who did get on the pitch.

READ MORE: Premier League legend reveals how Forest beat Liverpool

Neco Williams’ Anfield return

Neco Williams, who rose through Liverpool’s academy, moved to The City Ground in a €20 million deal in 2022.

The Welsh international fullback came on in the 80^th minute of Nottingham Forest’s win at Anfield and has since received a brilliant reception online, both from Liverpool supporters and from former teammates.

There were a number of comments from Liverpool supporters wishing Williams well and praising his performance, often ending with the message ‘you’ll never walk alone’.

Some of William’s former Liverpool teammates liked his Instagram post, including Paul Glatzel, Marko Grujic, Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips and Sepp van den Berg.

The Reds’ former goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, who left the club this summer, also liked the post.

Williams career after Liverpool

Forest’s full-back has grown as a player since his days at Anfield and has now made 40 appearances for Wales as well as 73 for Nottingham Forest.

The defender played 33 times for Liverpool before moving away from the club but had Trent Alexander-Arnold for competition and so left Merseyside in search of more regular first-team minutes.

Since Williams left Anfield, a new back up right-back option has emerged in Conor Bradley, who has come on as a substitute in all four of Liverpool's Premier League games this season and has made 32 appearances for the first-team.

Williams received a warm reception despite Liverpool’s disappointing result, showing that the Reds supporters still appreciate the Welshman for his time at Anfield.