Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams has come under increasing scrutiny following an inconsistent start to the season, but there are compelling reasons why Oliver Glasner should continue to trust the Welsh international as he works to establish his preferred tactical system at the City Ground.

Forest have endured a frustrating opening six games under Glasner, with the Austrian manager still searching for the right balance in his 3-4-2-1 formation. Although the team has demonstrated promising attacking qualities in certain periods, defensive vulnerabilities and missed opportunities have prevented them from building the consistency needed to compete effectively.

Williams has become one of the players attracting criticism, particularly over his performances as a left-sided wing-back. However, questioning his suitability for the position after such a short period under a new manager risks overlooking the quality, experience and defensive reliability he has consistently brought to the team.

NECO WILLIAMS DESERVES PATIENCE AND SUPPORT

Glasner’s appointment was always going to require a period of adjustment. Introducing a new tactical philosophy, establishing partnerships and finding the right roles for individual players cannot happen overnight.

Forest’s recent defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park highlighted both the team’s potential and its continuing problems. Despite losing 3-1, Forest produced an encouraging attacking spell, registered 44 touches in the opposition penalty area and created opportunities that could have significantly changed the outcome.

For approximately 40 minutes, Forest looked dangerous and capable of overwhelming their opponents. Unfortunately, their inability to convert chances proved costly, allowing Palace to take advantage and secure the victory.

Williams was among the players whose performances attracted attention after the defeat. Some supporters have questioned whether he possesses the qualities required to operate effectively on the left side of Glasner’s system.

There is a reasonable argument that Forest could benefit from recruiting a more natural left-footed wing-back in the future. Williams is predominantly right-footed, and that can create difficulties when he receives possession in advanced positions on the opposite flank.

Rather than delivering the ball immediately, he sometimes cuts inside onto his stronger foot. This additional movement can slow down Forest’s attacking transitions, giving opposition defenders valuable time to reorganise and protect their penalty area.

Nevertheless, recognising this limitation should not mean dismissing everything Williams contributes to the team. His attacking difficulties are an area for improvement, not sufficient evidence that he no longer deserves an important role.

GLASNER CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE WILLIAMS’ DEFENSIVE QUALITY

One of Williams’ greatest strengths is his defensive ability, which could prove particularly important as Glasner attempts to make his system more effective.

The Welsh international has demonstrated his capacity to compete against some of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers. His previous performances against players such as Bukayo Saka, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer have highlighted his ability to defend aggressively, track movement and make life difficult for elite opponents.

Those qualities should not be underestimated.

Wing-backs in a 3-4-2-1 formation have demanding responsibilities. They must provide width in attack, recover quickly when possession is lost and maintain their defensive positioning against opponents looking to exploit space down the flanks.

Williams has considerable experience fulfilling those responsibilities, even if his current role requires further adaptation.

Replacing him with Luca Netz might offer Glasner a different profile on the left, but such a change would not automatically solve Forest’s problems. Any alternative would need to demonstrate that they could provide the same defensive reliability while improving the team’s attacking output.

Forest must also consider the importance of maintaining stability during a period of tactical transition. Constantly changing personnel whenever a player encounters difficulties can prevent a team from developing the understanding required to succeed.

WILLIAMS HAS EARNED HIS PLACE AT THE CITY GROUND

Williams is not an inexperienced newcomer who should be judged solely on a handful of recent performances. He has established himself as a valuable member of the Forest squad through his contributions over several seasons.

That history matters.

Players who have consistently delivered for a club deserve a reasonable opportunity to overcome temporary difficulties, particularly when those problems are connected to a new tactical approach.

At 25, Williams still has time to develop different aspects of his game. Becoming more comfortable receiving possession on the left, improving his delivery and making quicker decisions in advanced positions could help him become an even more effective wing-back.

Glasner’s responsibility is to identify those weaknesses and work with the player to address them. Tactical adjustments, improved movement from teammates and clearer attacking patterns could all help Williams perform more confidently in his new role.

The manager must also recognise that not every position can be strengthened during a single transfer window. Building a competitive squad requires careful recruitment, and Forest cannot reasonably expect every tactical problem to be solved immediately through new signings.

With another transfer window approaching in January, the club will have opportunities to assess its options. Until then, developing the players already available should remain a priority.

FOREST FANS MUST GIVE GLASNER’S PROJECT TIME

The criticism directed at Williams also reflects the growing impatience surrounding Forest’s difficult start.

Supporters understandably expect better results, especially after the club’s recent progress and ambitions to establish itself as a consistent Premier League competitor. However, six matches provide a limited foundation for judging an entirely new managerial project.

Forest’s promising attacking spells suggest there is potential for improvement. The challenge is turning those periods into complete performances by improving decision-making, defensive organisation and finishing.

Williams can play an important role in that process.

His commitment and experience make him a valuable option while Glasner continues refining his formation. Rather than allowing criticism to undermine confidence, the club and its supporters should encourage the defender to improve the areas of his game that currently need attention.

Suggestions that Forest should consider selling Williams appear premature given his previous contributions and the relatively small sample of performances under the new manager.

Ultimately, Forest need patience, stability and collective responsibility if Glasner’s ideas are to succeed.

Williams may not be performing at his best in every attacking situation, but his defensive qualities and established record remain significant assets. With the right coaching and support, he has the opportunity to adapt and become an important part of Forest’s plans.

For now, the message should be clear: Neco Williams has earned the opportunity to prove himself, and Nottingham Forest should support their proven defender rather than rush to write him off.