Rhys Williams on how he learns from “role model” Van Dijk

Rhys Williams has explained how being more vocal on the pitch has helped him become a leading figure for Liverpool U18s this season.

The young centre-half helped his side reach the final of the FA Youth Cup recently with another assured performance.

And he later revealed that he lost his voice post-match after yelling instructions and encouragements to his teammates.

READ: Reds coach reveals how Alisson is inspiring young goalkeepers

 

CHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Joe Gelhardt of Wigan Athletic battles with Morgan Boyes and Rhys Williams of Liverpool during the FA Youth Cup match between Liverpool and Wigan Athletic at Swansway Stadium on February 13, 2019 in Chester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

READ: James Milner reveals why he won’t watch the Manchester Derby tonight

“It’s a big stadium to fill your voice in,” Williams said, according to LiverpoolFC.com. “I was screaming, shouting all game just trying to keep the boys alert to what was happening, keeping everyone’s heads on it because it was a close game all the way through.

“That’s one time I lost my voice. It’s happened a few times, but that’s the main one.

“You’ve got to manage players differently. Some players respond differently to how you speak to them. Some might take it as criticism, some might lift their game.

“You’ve got to know your teammates well enough to be doing that.”

Williams also explained how he always aims to learn from Virgil van Dijk, and revealed an surprising fact about himself in the process.

“I’m just taller than him!” he said.  “But his stature is just ridiculous.

“He’s so calm and confident in what he does. You don’t see him panicking in big situations. He’s just a great role model for everyone.

“I watch all the Liverpool games and he’s the main player I focus on. If they do analysis after the game and it’s on him, then I’ll record it or watch it there and then just to see if I can take bits of his game into mine.”

On his changing position, he added: “I started out playing central midfield and then slowly got dropped back.

“Up until U14s I never used to like playing as a defender – I hated it, I wanted to score goals!

“I was always trying to break forward and then was getting told to stay in my position.

“Up until then I was always a midfielder at heart but playing in defence. Now I see the importance in playing in defence. It’s a big position to play. I enjoy it more than I used to – especially now that I’m scoring, I don’t really mind it.

“I’d rather win 1-0 than beat someone 4-3. It looks better on the defence. It might not look as glamorous for the strikers, but it means the back four and ‘keeper have done our job and kept the clean sheet.”

The post Rhys Williams on how he learns from “role model” Van Dijk appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com