Neco Williams
NFO
Left Wingback
Balanced Full Back
Apr 13, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
159 lb
Suffers elbow injury
Williams scored one goal to go with two chances created before suffering an elbow injury during Friday's 1-1 Premier League draw against Ipswich Town and will undergo further assessments to determine the severity of the issue, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per the Nottingham Post. "Neco's in huge pain. He fell on his elbow. We have to do further assessments but it doesn't look really good."
Analysis: Williams faces uncertainty over his availability for Nottingham Forest's upcoming fixtures after suffering an arm injury during the closing stages of Friday's draw against Ipswich Town. The defender fell awkwardly onto his elbow and appeared to be in significant discomfort, leaving the pitch with his right arm supported by his shirt. Although coach Glasner expressed concern about the severity of the injury and confirmed that further examinations would be required, Williams subsequently provided a more encouraging update on Instagram, stating that he was fine. Before the setback, the Welsh international had delivered a strong performance, opening the scoring in the 13th minute and finishing with two shots, two chances created, five crosses, two tackles and two corners across 84 minutes. His potential absence would represent a blow to Forest's defensive options, although his reassuring post-match comments suggest the injury may be less serious than initially feared. The results of further assessments should provide greater clarity on his availability for the upcoming Premier League encounter against Brentford next Saturday.
Delivers seven crosses in defeat
Williams generated one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (zero accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 17th minute.
Analysis: Williams recorded one off-target shot, seven crosses, five corners and two interceptions across the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He operated as Forest's left wing-back and provided considerable attacking width, particularly during the second half when the hosts attempted to exploit Arsenal's defensive transitions and increase pressure from wide areas. Williams also nearly benefited from Liam Delap's attacking movement shortly after halftime, but none of his seven crosses were accurate as Forest failed to turn their opportunities into a goal.
Strong in service
Williams had three shots (zero on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 3-1 loss versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Williams got the start and did well, putting in nine crosses and five corner kicks. Though his service was relatively accurate, his three shots failed to find the frame. He will need to be even more clinical with his crossing if he hopes to get an assist against Arsenal, one of the top defensive sides in the Premier League to start the season.
Starts despite recent illness
Williams (illness) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after recovering from a fever that forced him to miss Friday's training session.
Analysis: Williams has recovered sufficiently to retain his starting role after his availability was briefly in doubt due to illness following his return from international duty with Wales. The defender has been a regular presence at left wing-back for Nottingham Forest this season, recording six shots, eight chances created, 24 crosses and 14 tackles across five Premier League appearances. His inclusion in the starting lineup is an encouraging sign that the illness will not interrupt his run of starts, allowing him to continue providing width and attacking support down Forest's left flank.
Late call due to illness
Williams (illness) is questionable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace after developing a fever following his return from international duty, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "He returned well and trained with us yesterday, but he didn't feel well. He had a fever in the night and was not available today, but we will see how he recovers tomorrow."
Analysis: Williams returned from international duty with Wales without any apparent fitness concerns and initially resumed training with Nottingham Forest before falling ill. The defender missed Friday's session due to a fever, leaving his availability for Sunday's trip to Crystal Palace dependent on how he recovers over the next 24 hours. Williams has been a regular starter at left wing-back this season, recording six shots, eight chances created, 24 crosses and 14 tackles across five Premier League appearances. His potential absence would be a significant blow to Forest's left flank, although a final decision on his involvement is expected closer to kickoff.
Approaching 60th Wales cap
Williams made his 59th senior appearance for Wales during the international window and is in line to earn his 60th cap against Norway, according to the club.
Analysis: Williams continues to hold a prominent role for both club and country, with the defender an undisputed starter at left wing-back for Nottingham Forest. He has attempted six shots and created eight chances while delivering 24 crosses, including six corners, across five Premier League appearances this season. Williams has also added 14 tackles, highlighting his two-way involvement from the left flank.
Stuffs the stat sheet
Williams had three shots (one on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Coventry City.
Analysis: Williams was a factor in all the key categories offensively except for goals and assists, getting strong volume. The defender should be able to keep this up against Crystal Palace and if he delivers this volume, he should be able to help Nottingham Forest break down a side that has allowed 11 goals so far in this EPL season.
Four crosses in win
Williams recorded two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Aston Villa.
Analysis: Williams registered two shots without troubling Zion Suzuki and delivered four crosses of which two were accurate across 90 minutes as Forest's left wing-back in a system that required consistent defensive discipline. He was cautioned by the referee for a deliberate delay from a throw-in under the Premier League's new time-wasting clampdown. Williams has started all four of Forest's Premier League fixtures this season and still has to find his first goal contribution.
Extends with Forest
Williams has signed an extension with Nottingham Forest, according to the club.
Analysis: Williams is going to stick around with Nottingham after joining the club in 2022, with the defender inking a deal to remain with the team until 2030. He remains a starter for the club in the 2026/27 season, and seems likely to remain in that role, their regular on the left side of the defense.
Draws penalty
Williams registered one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Williams took one shot and three corners, but most importantly drew a penalty that was converted for the second goal. The full-back got forward well and abused the space that Jeremie Frimpong left in the backline. Williams made the most of his chances against his former club and played a big role in the draw.
Cleared to face Liverpool
Williams is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Liverpool after recovering from the knock he suffered against Leeds in midweek, according to the Standard.
Analysis: Williams is available for Saturday's clash against Liverpool after the knock he suffered in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Leeds proved minor. The defender had initially been considered a doubt and was set to be assessed ahead of the trip to Anfield, but he has now been cleared to play. Williams is expected to start at left-back against his former club, with Luca Netz providing an alternative at the position if needed.
Set for assessment ahead of Liverpool
Williams (face) will be assessed ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Liverpool after suffering a facial injury in the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Leeds United, the club announced.
Analysis: Williams picked up the facial injury during the midweek cup defeat and his availability for Saturday's trip to Anfield is now uncertain. The defender will be evaluated ahead of the match, with his status likely depending on the severity of the issue and how he progresses over the coming days. Luca Netz is the leading candidate to start at left-back if Williams is ultimately unable to feature.
Four crosses in 1-0 loss
Williams registered four crosses (one accurate) and three tackles in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Leeds United.
Analysis: Williams attempted four crosses and was successful with one as Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 to Leeds. He finished last season with two goals and three assists. The defender also won all three of his tackles and made three clearances.
Whips in five crosses
Williams registered one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Williams had a solid two-way match Sunday as his team earned a point, recording one shot, a chance created and five crosses in the attack to go along with two interceptions, three tackles and four clearances in the defense. He has gone four league matches since his last goal contribution, with two goals and three assists all season.
Scores equalizer from range
Williams scored one goal to go with four shots (three on goal), nine crosses (two accurate) and six corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Williams fired home the equalizer for Nottingham Forest in the 38th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at the City Ground, getting on the end of Callum Hudson-Odoi's pass before ripping a low 20-yard strike past Marco Bizot at the near post. He was active all game from left-back, impacting both ends with four shots, two chances created, nine crosses and three tackles won. Williams has now surpassed his previous career high in league play, reaching five goal contributions across 31 Premier League appearances this season.
Pair of assists Sunday
Williams assisted twice to go with two shots (two on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 3-0 win versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Williams was involved throughout Sunday's rout and he put his mark on the match with a pair of assists in the clash. He sent in five crosses and nearly had a goal of his own with a dangerous shot. The defender was good throughout and he continues to be a constant offensive threat whenever he's on the ball.
Keeps clean sheet Sunday
Williams registered two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 18th minute.
Analysis: Williams kept a clean sheet Sunday, his seventh of the campaign. He made two clearances on that end as he and his fellow defenders only allowed one shot on target throughout the match. He was active on the attack too, creating two chances, recording three crosses and taking two shots in his full 90 minutes of action.
Attempts seven shots in tie
Williams had seven shots (two on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Williams was one of Forest's most active weapons out wide, constantly attacking space, whipping himself into crossing lanes, and letting it rip from distance. One of his long-range strikes took a deflection and clipped the roof of the net as Forest cranked up the pressure, and he later served in the cross that sparked the late double chance. He kept his foot on the gas until the final whistle but could not deliver the killer ball or finish, even after setting a new season high with seven shots (two on target) and matching his season best with four chances created. This was arguably his sharpest performance of the campaign, yet he still walked away without the decisive moment his display deserved.
Clears suspension
Williams is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Williams has completed the suspension stemming from the red card he picked up against Crystal Palace after a handball and is cleared to return for the next match. The left-back has been a locked-in starter for Forest all season and is expected to step straight back into the starting lineup Wednesday against Wolves.
Sent off for hand ball
Williams was shown a red card in the first half of Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Williams was shown his marching orders Sunday, sent off early in the match after stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity, sticking out his hand on the goal line to knock the ball away. This will force him to miss another match, not an option to face Leeds United on Feb. 6, returning to face Wolves on Feb. 11. This will then force a change, with Oleksandr Zinchenko as a possible replacement at left-back.
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