'Rhys Williams works so hard on his heading - it's a real weapon'
Barry Lewtas was delighted to see Liverpool U23s produce a 'proper performance' in Saturday's 3-1 win over Chelsea in Premier League 2.
A strong opening 45 minutes saw the Reds go 3-0 up against the division leaders thanks to a Rhys Williams header, another brilliant free-kick from Jake Cain and a Liam Millar penalty.
Chelsea pulled a late goal back from the penalty spot but it was to be Liverpool’s day as they moved three points behind the Londoners in Premier League 2 with a game in hand.
Read on as Lewtas reflects on a really good day for his team in Kirkby…
On an impressive performance from his team…
Our football was really good, especially in the first half. We got control of the game, scored the goals, created some other good chances as well and I thought we were a real threat and played the game in their half. We were up against a good team and obviously in the second half it was a different performance, but still a good performance. They changed formation and went to three at the back and I felt we dealt with that quite well. Yes, it was two different halves from us but from a coaching point of view, I am really pleased because we were playing against Chelsea and you are not going to get 90 minutes of a constant flow to their goal. So, a pleasing 90 minutes and a proper performance in my opinion.
On a great week for Williams, scoring a fine header after making his European debut for Liverpool…
Gary O’Neil said to me, 'You celebrated there when he jumped!' I was like yes, I’ve seen that a few times with the U18s. It’s a real asset for Rhys and I’ve seen him over the years work ever so hard on his heading, the leap and the finish. As a centre-back it’s a real weapon and it was a cracking goal.
On a hat-trick of superb free-kicks from Cain so far this season…
Jake saw the gap and he put it in. That’s not by chance. He is always out after training with Leighton Clarkson practising them, so fair play to him. He also got the assist for Rhys’ goal as well – he put it on a plate.
On Millar netting his first Premier League 2 goal of the season from the penalty spot…
We are a young group and Liam has been captain and he is certainly one of the senior players. Liam is a cracking lad with a great personality and he has come back with the U23s as a leader. He has been a real threat in all of our games, he’s carried us up the pitch at times and he’s also been really diligent with his defensive work as well. I’m glad he got his goal because he’s been hunting a goal in Premier League 2 and it was well deserved.
On another mature display from Tom Clayton, firstly in midfield and then at the back…
Everyone who knows Tom will know he is a left-sided centre-back and a good footballer, but the last few games he has really shown how good a footballer he is. He has sat in front of the back four as a No.6 but he hasn’t just sat there, he has understood the role, the position and has been a really important player for us. He is so dependable as a character as well. He is extremely trustworthy, which is a really valuable asset to have.
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On the return to fitness of Matteo Ritaccio…
It will have been around a year for Matteo being out of action and it’s great to have him back. He has had a few setbacks, so it was good to get him back on the pitch. He’s a trustworthy boy and the type of game it was in the second half, it was the right game for him. So he will be pleased to have got some minutes.
On Friday night's trip to Arsenal in Premier League 2…
Overall, it has been a pleasing start for us. Before Chelsea we had five away games on the run, including the EFL Trophy games. The restrictions that are in place during these times with the travel does make everything different. So we are back to London on Friday. The games come thick and fast and obviously it will be a tough game against Arsenal. But we’ve got a young set of lads who are training well, working hard, so we’ll look forward to it.