Earlier this week, ex-Red Jamie Redknapp hailed Swansea City captain Ashley Williams, and claimed that the 'outstanding' 30-year old defender is coveted by 'lots' of top clubs. Liverpool were last linked with Williams in April, and according to Man United legend Rio Ferdinand, the Reds missed a trick in failing to sign the Welsh defender.
After watching William's imperious display for Wales during Sunday's European Championship qualifier with Israel, Ferdinand raved:
"How Arsenal or Liverpool FC haven't gone for Ashley Williams the last few years is beyond me. [He's] better than what they have bought".
Obviously, having managed Swansea, Rodgers knows all about Williams, so it's a little surprising that he hasn't followed up his interest over the last few years.
When asked about Liverpool's interest during the 2013-14 season, Williams told Wales Online:
“It is always nice to hear people say nice things about you, and a lot of people have been talking and saying good things. It just means I’m probably doing my job right and I try to keep working hard".
Ferdinand is not the only ex-player who thinks Williams would be a great buy for Liverpool:
* In February 2014, Joe Allen told the Daily Mail: "Ashley [Williams] has got a lot of experience at a high level, and I’m sure he'd be comfortable at an even higher level"
* Ian Rush is also in favour of the deal: "To get Williams would be great. At the right price Swansea would let him go, and he would be good for Liverpool with his experience."
* Jan Molby concurs with Rushie: "He [Williams] looks better this season than he did last. He’s assured, even when he’s being put under pressure. He can play and he can graft. You don’t get many centre backs like that".
During Rodgers' tenure, Liverpool have brought in Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Kolo Toure, and Tiago Ilori (Combined cost: £45m), yet none of whom have achieved Williams' consistency (in either fitness or performance) over the last three years.
Back in 2012, Rodgers spent £15m on Joe Allen, but the Swansea player he should've signed is Williams, and I doubt there are many fans who'd disagree with that.
I'd personally swap Williams for any of Liverpool's defenders, but at the age of 30, though, the ship has probably sailed on any potential deal.
Author: Jaimie K
After watching William's imperious display for Wales during Sunday's European Championship qualifier with Israel, Ferdinand raved:
"How Arsenal or Liverpool FC haven't gone for Ashley Williams the last few years is beyond me. [He's] better than what they have bought".
Obviously, having managed Swansea, Rodgers knows all about Williams, so it's a little surprising that he hasn't followed up his interest over the last few years.
When asked about Liverpool's interest during the 2013-14 season, Williams told Wales Online:
“It is always nice to hear people say nice things about you, and a lot of people have been talking and saying good things. It just means I’m probably doing my job right and I try to keep working hard".
Ferdinand is not the only ex-player who thinks Williams would be a great buy for Liverpool:
* In February 2014, Joe Allen told the Daily Mail: "Ashley [Williams] has got a lot of experience at a high level, and I’m sure he'd be comfortable at an even higher level"
* Ian Rush is also in favour of the deal: "To get Williams would be great. At the right price Swansea would let him go, and he would be good for Liverpool with his experience."
* Jan Molby concurs with Rushie: "He [Williams] looks better this season than he did last. He’s assured, even when he’s being put under pressure. He can play and he can graft. You don’t get many centre backs like that".
During Rodgers' tenure, Liverpool have brought in Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Kolo Toure, and Tiago Ilori (Combined cost: £45m), yet none of whom have achieved Williams' consistency (in either fitness or performance) over the last three years.
Back in 2012, Rodgers spent £15m on Joe Allen, but the Swansea player he should've signed is Williams, and I doubt there are many fans who'd disagree with that.
I'd personally swap Williams for any of Liverpool's defenders, but at the age of 30, though, the ship has probably sailed on any potential deal.
Author: Jaimie K
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