Why chaos creator Nico Williams is Europe’s most-wanted winger
Sam McGuire
- 20 Sept 2023 08:47 BST
- 5 min read
Nico Williams is quickly turning into one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
The 21-year-old is being courted by Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, according to various reports.
Already capped 10 times by Spain, Williams is already into his third season as an Athletic Bilbao starter. He's racked up over 70 LaLiga appearances for the Basque club.
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His contract situation makes him even more desirable too. The youngster is into the final 12 months of his contract and would be able to leave for free at the end of the current campaign. However, it has been claimed he would pen a new deal to ensure his boyhood club receives a fee for him. It has also been rumoured that a €30 million bid in January would be enough to acquire his services.
Regardless of what actually happens, it is likely Williams moves for a bargain fee for his ability and potential. If he makes the right choice, he could explode over the coming years and develop into one of the best wingers in world football. He has all the tools needed to succeed at the very top.
The Athletic Bilbao youngster is an explosive ball carrier who, per FBref, ranks extremely well when looking at progressive carries and successful dribbles.
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He’s extremely dynamic and deceptively powerful. According to Google, he’s around 5ft11 but when you watch him carry the ball with his fairly upright stance, he seems much bigger and it does make him look unique from a playing point of view.
Despite his height, he is nimble and has a scurrying style when he’s looking to cover a lot of ground when progressing play.
It is worth noting here that he’s extremely one-footed and doesn’t exactly trust his left-foot during key moments just yet. That can be developed though.
Who wants to sign Nico Williams?
Manchester United are in the market for a winger with the futures of both Jadon Sancho and Antony uncertain. Williams is quicker than both and a lot more direct in his play. Though right footed, he does look confident playing as an out-and-out winger on the right, so his arrival would allow Marcus Rashford to remain on the left.
Williams isn't a huge direct goal threat yet but he's someone who creates space, causes chaos and is involved in a lot of final third phases. He profiles well for a counter-attacking side and this is, right now at least, what United seem to favour due to the profiles of their forward line.
Newcastle United replaced Allan Saint-Maximin with Harvey Barnes this summer. The former Leicester man got off to a dream start, scoring on his debut against Aston Villa, but he's nowhere near as dynamic as the Frenchman he replaced. Saint-Maximin was a cheat code the Magpies needed to relieve pressure. He was one of the best dribblers in the Premier League - he actually averaged the most on a per 90 basis last season.
Eddie Howe's men lack that out ball this term. They also lack the bluntness that their former No.10 provided. He would pick the ball up and just run at the opposition to wear them out. Anthony Gordon offers a bit of that but Williams would provide a new dynamic.
Aston Villa are looking to assemble a team capable of pushing for the top four so it's no surprise to see them showing an interest in Williams. They've done some smart business over recent windows and the Athletic Bilbao man would fall into that category.
Alongside Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey, Jhon Duran, and Ollie Watkins, the young Spaniard would make up arguably the fastest attack in the league. It would suit Unai Emery's side perfectly. They look to defend resolutely before causing damage on the break. Williams would fit like a glove.
Liverpool's interest in the youngster is, rather ironically, a little left field.
The Reds are going to be in the market for a new right winger this summer if Mohamed Salah leaves and though the general consensus is that a left footer would arrive, Williams could still be targeted. He's an old school winger in many ways and his comfort going inside or outside makes him an intriguing option for the 2019/20 Premier League champions.
If he holds the width on the right and creates space inside, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai could have a lot of joy in those parts of the pitch. Furthermore, with Klopp using his No11 as more of a creator, the role would suit Williams' skill set a little more.
It is easy to understand exactly why so many Premier League clubs are looking to add Williams to their attacking arsenal. If he gets it right, it could be a perfect marriage with any of those interested teams.
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