Neco Williams is key to Nottingham Forest Europa League victory, his stats vs Porto prove it
Neco Williams was one of Nottingham Forest’s star performers during their 1-0 victory over Porto on Thursday.
The full-back picked up an assist and created numerous chances for the hosts as they edged their way into the Europa League semi-finals.
Williams has been on fire for Forest for months, with the full-back becoming a star player at the City Ground.
Only on the weekend, the left-back netted against Aston Villa in a 1-1 draw to push the club closer to safety.
However, this performance in Forest’s memorable victory over Porto shows that he is key if the club is to lift the Europa League.
Neco Williams was everywhere against Porto
Williams has truly stepped up in the latter half of the season, and the full-back is taking no prisoners.
According to Fotmob on 16 April, against Porto, Williams completed 97 per cent of his passes, created four chances, produced a 0.29 xA, and completed three successful dribbles.
| Neco Williams' stats vs Porto | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| xA | 0.29 |
| Passing completion | 97% |
| Dribbles completed | 3 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Recoveries | 8 |
On top of this, he was also vital defensively, as he performed four tackles, two clearances and eight recoveries.
Porto simply could not stop him, with Williams proving to be effective in both attack and defence.
As a result, if he can keep these performances up and prove to be a menace in both areas of the pitch, he could be the key to ensuring Forest lifts the cup at the end of the season.
Is Williams’ long-term future at Nottingham Forest?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Forest could be on the hunt for full-backs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Williams’ future at Forest is currently in doubt, with the defender linked away, with Liverpool reportedly interested.
On top of this, if the Reds were to be relegated, it would look even more likely that the Welshman would depart.
This is despite Williams currently having a contract at Forest until 2029, which has done little to deter the interest as it stands.
However, if Forest win the Europa League, and get into the Champions League, it would no doubt improve their chances of keeping the defender.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what will happen in the summer transfer window, with plenty of twists and turns expected.