Liverpool youngster Neco Williams singles out Adam Lallana as key influence at Melwood

Neco Williams has revealed how Adam Lallana has played a major role in helping him adapt to the demands of training regularly with Liverpool’s first team.

The Welshman, who joined the club’s academy at U9 level, has made up the step up to the senior side’s Melwood base this season.

That has led to his first five appearances at that level and plenty of optimism regarding the defender’s potential to become an Anfield star.

But, according to Williams, none of that would have been possible were it not for helpful words from the likes of Lallana.

“He’s the one who stood out for me,” the Wrexham-born right-back told Goal. “Every session he would try and help me, ask me stuff, listen to me.

"He’s a character where if you give the ball away he will get at you and tell you, but if you do something good then he’s the first to say well done to you. It’s great to have people like that at Melwood, and that has definitely improved me as a player.

“You need people to push you and keep your standards high. Lallana is excellent at that, he knows when the right time is to praise and the right time to get on to you. He pushes you to your limits.”

Another player who Williams believes has been key to his development is Sadio Mane.

The Senegalese spends most sessions trying to get the better of the young defender usually occupying the same flank, but he doesn’t mind one bit.

“Playing against the best players in the world in training can only help me,” he added.

“I’m usually up against Sadio [Mane], so that can’t be anything but helpful. Training against him every day is definitely going to improve my one-vs-one defending!

“I’ve definitely improved a lot and matured in my game a lot since going up to Melwood. I’m loving every minute of it!”