Neco Williams targets World Cup spot to step out of Welsh icons’ shadows
Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams says Wales must embrace the pressure of succeeding a golden generation as they prepare for Thursday’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The national team is currently transitioning following the international retirement of talismanic figures such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
Those iconic names established a formidable legacy that the current squad must now navigate on the global stage.
The 23-year-old acknowledges that stepping into the void left by such revered stars presents a unique psychological challenge.
Navigating the weight of expectation
When asked if the shadow cast by former greats serves as an inspiration or a burden, the full-back was refreshingly honest.
“A bit of both,” Williams told BBC Sport.
“As kids, you watched the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Craig Bellamy. You grew up idolising them.”
The former Liverpool academy graduate is no longer the youthful prospect who helped his nation secure qualification for Qatar 2022.
He now views himself as an established senior professional tasked with guiding the next wave of international talent.
Bellamy’s obsessive managerial style
The Dragons are currently led by another legendary figure in the form of Craig Bellamy.
The former Newcastle United and Manchester City forward took charge of the national setup following Rob Page’s dismissal.
Williams has quickly developed a profound admiration for his new manager’s relentless approach to the sport.
“How good he was as a player, he’s the exact same as a manager. He’s obsessed with football,” he explained.
“He’s just constantly talking about football. He’s obsessed with Wales and you want a manager like that.”
Chasing redemption after Qatar struggles
Victory in Cardiff would set up a decisive play-off final against either Italy or Northern Ireland next week.
Securing a spot in the upcoming summer tournament would offer the squad a chance to improve upon their difficult previous experience in Qatar.
Their last qualification campaign was severely disrupted due to a delayed fixture against Ukraine.
“So it felt like everything about that tournament was a little bit rushed,” the defender recalled.
The Welsh camp ultimately struggled on the biggest stage, finishing bottom of their group with just a single point.
However, the tight-knit nature of the current roster gives their experienced defender supreme confidence that they are better equipped this time around.