Nottingham Forest legend Des Walker has weighed in on the intensifying debate surrounding Neco Williams, questioning whether the club’s most consistent performer over the last 18 months is truly suited to the demanding wing-back role in Oliver Glasner’s system.
Williams has found himself under increasing scrutiny from the City Ground faithful following Forest’s frustrating 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Deployed as a wide wing-back, the Welsh international appeared noticeably uncomfortable, cutting a forlorn figure at the final whistle as his confidence continues to waver amidst Forest’s sluggish start to the Premier League season.
With summer signing Luca Netz patiently awaiting his opportunity to bring a natural, left-footed balance to the flank, questions are growing over whether Glasner must make a ruthless tactical change ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Arsenal.
Des Walker: “A Left-Footer Opens the Whole Pitch Up”
Speaking to Live Football Tickets, former Forest defensive icon Des Walker passionately defended Williams’ overall quality and work ethic, labeling him as Forest’s standout player in recent seasons.
However, Walker conceded that operating as a natural right-footed player on the left side of a 3-4-2-1 wing-back system creates distinct tactical limitations that opposing managers are actively exploiting:
“I’ve got to say Neco Williams has probably been Forest’s best player over the last 18 months, so he finds a way,” Walker explained. “He injects energy into the team. Andreas Brehme was a right-footed left-back, and he was world-class, so you can definitely get away with it.
”But I like having a left-footer there because of the way it opens the pitch up. If a right-footed player on the left checks back onto his right foot, the opposition can close him down and effectively cut off a third of the pitch. It makes it easier to win the ball back higher up the field. A left-footer can open up and suddenly the whole game spreads out.”
The Wing-Back Dilemma Facing Oliver Glasner
Walker noted that playing as an overlapping full-back in a traditional back four is vastly different from the touchline-hugging responsibilities required in Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 formation:
“On the left, he injects so much energy, drive and passion,” Walker added. “Playing wing-back in a back three is slightly different because you’re starting much wider. Sometimes you need that quality from a natural left foot when you’re almost standing on the touchline. I haven’t seen him play enough in that position to know if it suits him.”
January Transfer Target Looming?
With reports linking Nottingham Forest to Gent left-back Archie Brown ahead of the January transfer window, Glasner faces a delicate balancing act. While Netz provides an immediate natural alternative, Williams retains immense credit in the bank with both the coaching staff and the dressing room.
As Forest prepare to host Arsenal at the City Ground, Glasner must decide whether to afford Williams the time needed to master the tactical nuances of the wing-back position or make a bold selection call to ignite Forest’s left flank.
