Brendan Rodgers reveals he wanted to sign Ashley Williams for Liverpool

Williams played under Rodgers during the Northern Irish coach’s three year spell at the Liberty Stadium

Ashley Williams celebrates opening the scoring for Swansea against Watford (Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers has revealed that he tried to sign Swansea City centre-back while he was the manager of Liverpool.

Williams, who played under Rodgers during the Northern Irish coach’s three year spell at the Liberty Stadium, scored the only goal in his side’s victory over Watford tonight, which Rodgers was covering as part of Monday Night Football.

Rodgers, analysing the match alongside Jamie Carragher, another former charge, said that he believes the Wales international is one of the league’s best defenders and should have been given an opportunity at a top club.

"I think with Ashley, he's been very, very unfortunate. I wanted to take him to Liverpool. He was one of that rare breed who is a leader," Rodgers said.

“Managers and coaches are looking now for leaders on the field and you've seen tonight, ball comes into the box, he's got his head on everything. Every single game he's up for.

“You see him with Wales, over 50 caps for them now. This is a guy who's up for every match he plays and I think he's an incredible player.”

Williams was heavily linked with a move to Anfield during Rodgers’ time at the club but a move did not materialise.

Disputes over transfers were a defining theme of the former Swansea and Watford boss’ reign at Anfield, as the club’s controversial ‘transfer committee’ system meant he did not have the full say on signings.

Carragher, who played under Rodgers during Liverpool’s 2012/13 campaign, echoed his former manager’s sentiments.

“The fact that we are so poor defensively in the Premier League, and you think of someone like him now, maybe he's someone who's come through the lower leagues and he's not a fancy name,” he said.

“Maybe that puts people off, maybe he didn't quite get the recognition or wasn't playing at the top level until a certain age. He's had a different journey.

“The thing with centre-backs is, he's only 28, 29. For a centre-back, that's like being 25 for a centre-forward. Centre-backs go on until 33, 34, so for me that's why it is a surprise nobody has taken the plunge.”