Burton Albion defender Dylan Williams is daring to dream of a glamorous FA Cup fourth-round tie against a Premier League giant, but insists his side must first navigate a tricky third-round encounter against non-league Boreham Wood this Saturday.
The FA Cup Dream and a Stern Test
The 22-year-old former Chelsea prospect admitted the entire squad is "really excited" by the prospect of a cup run, with the incentive of a potential big-name draw in the next round providing significant motivation. However, he was quick to emphasise the challenge posed by their opponents.
Boreham Wood, sitting second in the National League, are favourites to overcome the League One Brewers despite a 29-place gap in the football pyramid. Williams acknowledged the threat, warning against complacency. "It's easy to say we are in League One and they are in the National League and say, 'it's an easy game'," he said. "But it won't be, these cups provide so many upsets."
Burton, currently 21st in League One, last reached the fourth round in 2011, the only time in the club's 76-year history. Williams believes the current squad, a mix of experience and youth, is capable of matching that feat. "It's a great incentive," he stated. "I think this squad is capable of creating... We are excited and can't wait to put on a performance."
Learning from a Legend: Life Under Wayne Rooney
Williams, who began his career at Derby County, made his first-team breakthrough under the management of Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney in 2021, making nine appearances for the Rams.
Reflecting on that time, the Shrewsbury-born full-back described the experience as "amazing" and "surreal". "He knew how to manage players, he was great with the young lads," Williams recalled. He also shared a personal anecdote about his father's reaction: "Whenever I went home to my dad and told him I have trained with the first-team, he would be like, 'it's Wayne Rooney', that was his idol."
While expressing surprise that Rooney's managerial career hasn't yet scaled the heights of his playing days, Williams credited the staff around him at Pride Park, notably his assistant Liam Rosenior, now the manager at Chelsea.
Praise for Chelsea's New Boss Rosenior
Williams, who left Derby for Chelsea in January 2022 before joining Burton permanently last summer, spoke highly of Rosenior's coaching abilities. "His detail and what he put into the game before playing the opposition, it had to be perfect," he said, having discussed the appointment with former teammate George Evans.
He firmly believes Rosenior has the credentials to succeed at Stamford Bridge. "I think he is more than capable of doing the job. He was great with the young lads at Derby, he put so much effort into us and helping us step up into the first-team."
For now, Williams' focus remains firmly on the FA Cup and helping Burton Albion, where he has spent the last 18 months, secure a memorable victory at Boreham Wood to keep their dream of a Premier League showdown alive.
