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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Husband

Jurgen Klopp must rely on Neco Williams to learn from harsh Liverpool lesson

By the end of the game, Brighton's first-half penalty was merely an afterthought for Liverpool on an afternoon of high drama at the Amex Stadium.

Neco Williams was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Connolly in the first period, with the young Liverpool full-back caught out after a sharp turn.

That was only the start of the controversy however, as the champions had two goals disallowed, before Brighton were handed a stoppage-time penalty in the 1-1 draw.

On the first penalty, BT Sport pundit Joe Cole claimed it was the correct decision, while suggesting it was something Williams needs to learn from: “That’s a lesson for young Williams there.

Neco Williams was penalised for a foul on Brighton striker Aaron Connolly (Getty Images)

“In the box, in the Premier League, players will be clever enough to use their body, get across you. It’s a clear penalty.”

The 19-year-old has come in for heavy criticism from supporters this season after Jurgen Klopp promoted him to the senior set-up

His role has only increased with the champions in the midst of a staggering injury crisis. Williams was forced to take a step back on social media back in September, with a section of fans taking aim at him on the social media platform.

Williams came in for more stick after Liverpool's Champions League defeat to Atalanta, but the Reds boss kept faith in him for the Premier League clash with the Seagullls.

But that patience clearly ran out, with the German opting to substitute him at half-time.

Klopp may have looked to take Williams out of the firing line, but following James Milner's injury, he may have little choice.

Milner became the latest in a long line of injury blows for Klopp, who has seen almost his entire first-choice defence wiped out.

Did you agree with Jurgen Klopp's comments following the draw with Brighton? Have your say here.

Jurgen Klopp was furious with broadcasters following the draw with Brighton (BT Sport)

The Reds manager took aim at broadcasters following the draw, suggesting Milner's injury was down to the decision to put them in the early slot following their European exploits.

In a frosty post-match interview, Klopp sarcastically congratulated BT Sport's Des Kelly before confirming Milner had suffered a hamstring issue.

Milner is now a major doubt for Ajax in midweek and for their league fixture with Wolves on Sunday, Klopp is now relying on the fact that Williams will learn from his harsh Brighton lesson.

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