Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams struggles as pundits question his place
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The gist
Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams completed none of his seven crosses in a 0-1 home loss to Arsenal.
Forest sit 19th with the fewest goals in the division, spotlighting his place.
Background
Neco Williams is a 25-year-old Wales international full-back who plays for Nottingham Forest and was the club's Player of the Season last term, according to Football Insider. This season he has started all seven of Forest's Premier League matches at left wing-back, but Forest have the fewest goals of any team in the division and sit 19th in the table, with manager Oliver Glasner's future also being questioned. Coverage has focused on whether Williams should keep his place, and on possible alternatives at left-back.
How it unfolded
- Sep 5, 2026Played 90 minutes at left wing-back in Forest's 0-0 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur, rated 7.2.
- Sep 19, 2026Played 90 minutes at left wing-back in Forest's 0-1 home loss to Coventry City, rated 7.5.
- Oct 1, 2026Played 90 minutes at right-back for Wales in a 2-1 home win over Norway, scoring once and rated 8.4.
- Oct 18, 2026Was booked in the 17th minute of Forest's 0-1 home loss to Arsenal, recording seven crosses with none accurate, five corners and two interceptions.
- Oct 20, 2026A Football Insider/Yahoo piece argued Williams should be left out against Ipswich Town, citing one chance created, 0% of seven crosses completed and 43% of ground duels won against Arsenal.
- Oct 23, 2026A Football Insider/Yahoo piece said Forest already have a successor to Williams in Cuiabano, who is on loan at Vasco da Gama.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Football Insider (via Yahoo Sports) says Williams was the club's Player of the Season last term but is now really struggling in a left-wing-back role, and names Luca Netz as the obvious replacement.
- Analysts
- Football Insider (via Yahoo Sports) says Forest already look to have the answer to their left-back problems in Cuiabano, who is shining on loan in Brazil.
- Report
- RotoWire noted Williams gave Forest considerable attacking width, especially in the second half against Arsenal, but none of his seven crosses were accurate.