Neco Williams
NFO
Left Wingback
Balanced Full Back
Apr 13, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
159 lb
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.
Three crosses from defense
Williams had two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 victory against West Ham United.
Analysis: Williams would see a decent match in the defense Tuesday despite allowing a goal, only beaten by an own goal and recovering with a tackle, an interception and eight clearances. He would also add two shots and three crosses for a decent two-way effort. He has started in all 21 appearances this season, having yet to miss a start in league play this campaign.
Keeps clean sheet Sunday
Williams generated one shot (one on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 3-0 win versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Williams kept his third clean sheet of the season, including the second in his last three appearances. He won six duels, intercepted three passes, made two clearances and blocked one shot as he and his teammates held Spurs to just a single shot on target. Williams matched that shot on target himself on the attack, also creating two chances and recording two accurate crosses in his excellent performance on both ends of the pitch.
Assists against old club
Williams assisted once to go with two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Liverpool.
Analysis: Williams played a key part in helping his new club shock his old on at Anfield. Williams set up one goal on his only chance created and was a threat down the flank throughout. Williams has been a limited offensive option this season, but he does have six chances created in his last three matches. Forest are finding some sort of form with two wins in a row, so the entire team is trending the right way.
Wins eight duels in loss to Cherries
Williams generated three shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Sunday's 2-0 loss to AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Williams made solid contributions Sunday at left-back but his efforts were not enough to contain an assertive Bournemouth attack. He won eight of the 10 duels he engaged in, two of the three tackles, and executed two interceptions, two clearances and four recoveries. He was also able to place a shot on target and had another attempt blocked. The regular starter has got onto the scoresheet once but has yet to contribute to a clean sheet; his performance is not helped by a weak Forest defensive line around him.
Logs five inaccurate crosses
Williams generated one shot (one on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 34th minute.
Analysis: For a third consecutive game, Williams has logged at least five crosses. But unlike the previous two matchups, none of his crosses were accurate. Williams remains without an assist despite 37 crosses (five accurate), seven chances created and one corner. The wing-back has scored one goal, which is all that he has to his 2025-26 season's G/A.
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