Rhys Williams insists he has plans to become an ‘irreplaceable piece’ of Liverpool’s side

Liverpool centre-back Rhys Williams insists he wants to become an invaluable member of the side after making his European bow against Atalanta.

The 19-year-old has been forced to step in due to the absence of Virgil van Dijk, who is expected to be out for the rest of the season after suffering a nasty anterior cruciate ligament injury against Everton last month.

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He had been partnered alongside van Dijk in the early rounds of this season’s Carabao Cup, as well as the penalty-shootout defeat to Arsenal at Anfield at the round of 16 stage. 

Rhys Williams (left) insists he wants to become an invaluable member of Liverpool’s side after making his Champions League bow for the club against Atalanta The 19-year-old has come in to cover Virgil van Dijk after he suffered a serious injury at Everton

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But after slotting in next to Joe Gomez in their 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Atalanta, Williams is eyeing similar unparalleled status as his Dutch team-mate.

‘Well, I was hoping for an opportunity but I wasn’t hoping for it as good as this!’ Williams told Liverpool’s official website when reflecting upon being handed a Champions League start by boss Jurgen Klopp.

‘It doesn’t get much better than a 5-0 away win to Atalanta, so I’m over the moon really.

‘I’m happy the boss trusts me and I’m going to keep repaying his faith with performances and nights like this, so hopefully I keep getting an opportunity and keep doing everyone proud.

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Williams (third from right) and van Dijk (second from right) had been partnered together in the early rounds of this season’s Carabao Cup But now Williams has been forced to replace him and started the 5-0 thrashing of Atalanta

‘I want to become an irreplaceable piece of this side. It’s a great team with great players.

‘I know it’s going to be hard but I’m willing to put the effort in, keep working and hopefully keep putting in performances when I get the chance.’

Williams has made five senior appearances for the Reds this season following his debut in September.

The England U21 international was understandably nervous as a result and revealed he was unable to calm them a few hours before the game. 

Williams however admitted that he did not get much sleep ahead of his European bow

‘I’d say (Tuesday) I found out, that certified it,’ he added.

‘So I was just trying to get myself into the zone all day and thankfully I’ve done that and it’s paid off.

‘I tried to go to sleep when we had a few hours before the game and it just wasn’t happening for me, so I just tried to chill out and watch a few films.

‘I was always going to be a bit nervous but I thought I dealt with it quite well.’

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Williams could now be in line to start in another massive game for the club when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.  

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