Ex-players returning to cause havoc against their former sides is a recurring theme that is a borderline inevitability at this point, and it was effectively on display as Liverpool took on Nottingham Forest.
The Reds welcomed Forest with an eye towards resuscitating their gloomy campaign, as the possibility of earning a European berth is still very much on the cards.
The visitors, on the other hand, travelled to Anfield hoping for any sort of a positive result, given their status as relegation stragglers.
The match also served as a return to Merseyside for former Red and Wales International Neco Williams.
The 22-year-old joined Liverpool at the age of six and progressed through the ranks before making his debut in an EFL Cup game against Arsenal back in 2019.
He was sent out on loan to Fulham last season before earning a £17m move to newly-promoted Nottingham Forest at the beginning of the current campaign.
Back in familiar surroundings, the fullback made sure to leave his mark on Saturday’s game.
The five-goal thriller came to life during a frantic second half, with Liverpool taking the lead in the 47th-minute courtesy of a goal from Diogo Jota.
However, the lead lasted just 4 minutes, as Neco Williams scored through a deflected strike on his return to Anfield.
Liverpool managed to regain the lead 4 minutes later, one which was cancelled out once again, by Morgan Gibbs-White on this occasion.
The final twist soon followed as Mo Salah scored from close range in the 70th and secured all 3 points in the process.
In the end, it was Liverpool who walked away with an important victory while former Red Neco Williams took home a memorable moment at Anfield.
His return got even merrier after full-time, as he shared a wholesome moment with Jurgen Klopp, the gaffer who gave him his senior debut.
The German manager is known for his man-management skills, specifically for his handling of young talents.
Klopp is well-versed in crafting meaningful relationships with the players at his disposal, ones which last even after their paths diverge.
This was evident through his post-match exchange with Neco Williams, which surfaced as a clip online.
It displays the two reuniting outside the changing rooms, with Klopp starting the exchange in a playful manner.
Williams is then on the receiving end of a signature ‘bear hug’, all while Klopp mutters ‘it was a deflection’ to poke fun at his goal.
The 22-year-old retorted with ‘it was on target though, so it’s a goal’, prompting the German to whip a kit at him.
The duo then exchange pleasantries, with Klopp embracing Williams much like a teacher embraces his student.
The moment was as wholesome as it gets, and it was these glimpses of camaraderie in Football that we simply love to see.
