Nico Williams in the footsteps of his big brother

A true UFO of modern football, the Athletic Club is distinguished by its credo. Thus, only players born in the Basque Country, having Basque ancestry or trained in a Basque club, can wear the tunic of the club based in Bilbao. Among these players, we find Iñaki Williams (26) who has been carrying the Zuri-gorriak attack for a few years. The Ghanaian-born striker who was born in Bilbao has become the first player with African roots to wear the team’s tunic. A fast and lively player, he has established himself as a top striker and is currently playing alongside Raul Garcia. True symbol of a team where he signed until June 2028, he could be quickly joined by his brother.

Only 18 years old, Nico Williams shines in the B team which plays in the Spanish 3rd division and tries to make his place in the first team. Right winger by training can also evolve on the other wing, he is distinguished by his speed, but especially by his capacity of percussion. An excellent dribbler, the native of Pamplona has grown up with the young teams of Bilbao. For his first season with the reserve team, he shows that he has everything to follow in his brother’s footsteps. Immediately became an indisputable holder of his team, he has so far obtained very good statistics and has asserted himself as one of the players who knock on the door of the first team.

A jewel already well pampered

Like attacking midfielder Juan Artola (10 goals and 4 assists in 23 matches), Nico Williams is one of the main threats on the offensive side. Often the source of danger on his right wing, he was decisive in 16 of the 23 matches he took part in with the reserve for 9 goals and 10 assists. A fairly impressive efficiency for his age which allows him to catch a glimpse of the first team. In recent weeks, he has extended until June 2024 and will have the possibility of extending his lease a little more thanks to an activatable clause when he starts in the first team. In addition, a release clause of 30 million euros has been set. Proof that the player is part of the Athletic Club’s plans.

International U19 with Spain, Nico Williams was also able to discover a little more the first team this season. Training with the professional group, he also had a summons on December 31, 2020 against rival Real Sociedad. Although he did not come into play, his first-team debut came closer. “How proud I am of you, of what you accomplished at only 18 years old.” Step by step. Work, work and more work. What the ancients instilled in us. Nobody gave you anything, the story we always dreamed of begins. Together. I love you”, Iñaki wrote in particular on social networks when his brother was called up for the first time in the first team. Things became reality on Wednesday in the 2-2 draw against Valladolid. Entering the game, he played 28 minutes including 18 minutes with his brother and has just been rewarded for all his efforts. The beautiful story has only just begun for the Williams siblings in Bilbao.