Trent Alexander-Arnold knows a thing or two about being thrown in at the deep end with Liverpool.
So the right-back is well placed to pass judgement on the emergence of Rhys Williams as a potential answer to Jurgen Kloop's injury crisis at centre-back.
Williams came off the bench to play the final hour of the Champions League win over FC Midtjylland on Tuesday as replacement for makeshift centre-back Fabinho, who has now joined Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip on the sidelines.
Having made two starts in the Carabao Cup and a late cameo at Ajax last week, 19-year-old Williams - who spent last season on loan at non-league Kidderminster Harriers - is now poised to make his Premier League bow at home to West Ham United on Saturday evening alongside Joe Gomez.
And Alexander-Arnold, who made his full top-flight debut at Manchester United in January 2017, is confident the youngster can justify the faith of his manager.
"He wasn't with us much last season but he came in this season and showed how good a player he is," said the England man.
"The manager obviously trusts him a lot and he's been playing a few minutes.
"To be thrown in at the deep end on the biggest of stages is tough to do, tough to perform, but he never really put a foot wrong.
"So I think he'll definitely be in the manager's thoughts hopefully come the weekend and further on. "
Fabinho had impressed as makeshift centre-back in recent weeks but will now undergo scans on a suspected hamstring problem.
And Alexander-Arnold admits the Brazilian will be a major absence over the coming weeks.
"He's been playing unbelievable in the last few games," he said, speaking to liverpoolfc.com. "Obviously that happens and it's disappointing – hopefully it's not too long because we'll miss him.
"That position is probably a little bare at the minute to say the least but we've got an amazing squad.
"You've seen Rhys Williams stepping in and doing a world-class job. At such a young age with such little experience, unbelievable from him.
"He never really put a foot wrong. Well done to him and I think he's got a bright future ahead.
"I think he's an amazing player, he's shown that over the last few weeks."
