Liverpool youngster Neco Williams has opened up on Jurgen Klopp's role in helping him navigate a turbulent season at Anfield.
The 19-year-old has made 12 appearances and, like the majority of his teammates, has struggled at times during an underwhelming season for the Reds.
Williams was hauled off at half-time during the 1-1 draw with Brighton in November and clearly lacked match sharpness during the 1-0 defeat by Fulham earlier this month.
But the Wales right-back says he always has the wholehearted backing of his manager, with Klopp always the first person to offer encouragement and point out areas to improve.
"He is like that for all the players, as soon as you have maybe a few bad games or a bad game he will be the first one to come up to you and go through things you need to improve on or what you can do better," Williams told Premier League Productions , per Liverpool's official website.
"He also tells you what you’re good at. That just gives you that confidence to go out and keep going on the training ground or playing out on the field.
"He has played a massive role in my career so far, as in he has helped me go through the bad times, I’ve matured in a way off him because he has taught me the more senior side of the game.
"He has taught me a lot since I made my debut."
Williams also credited Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, vice-captain James Milner and former midfielder Adam Lallana with helping him make the transition to the first team.
Does Neco Williams have what it takes to become a first-team regular for Liverpool in the future? Have your say in the comments.
The Welshman added: "I’ve had help off a lot of players, more the senior players, the more experienced ones.
"Obviously James Milner – he has helped me a lot because he has been around for a while now and he has had that experience.
"He helps me a lot if I’m doing well, what I need to improve on. Or if I’ve had a few bad games, he’ll tell me what I need to improve on. He has played a massive part.
"And obviously the likes of Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana when he was here, they played massive roles. They just help you a lot.
"But that’s not just with me, that’s with all the young lads who come through or even all the team, everyone speaks together to see what we need to improve on and what we need to do.
"They have helped me a lot since I made a breakthrough and came up here."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.
