Nico Williams was outstanding in Spain’s 1-0 victory over Italy. Spain qualified for the Euro 2024 knockout stage, continuing their perfect start to the campaign.
Luis de la Fuente’s team has captured the attention in their first two games in Germany. They opened with a 3-0 victory over Croatia and then won 1-0 over Italy last night.
In actuality, Spain’s victory should have been more decisive. They dominated the Azzurri from the start but had to wait until the 55th minute to break the tie. Riccardo Calafiori scored an own goal as he steered Nico Williams’ cross into the net.
It was exactly what Spain and Williams deserved. The winger ran amok throughout the game, continuing his spectacular form from the 2023-24 season with Athletic Bilbao. He scored eight goals and provided an amazing 19 assists in 37 games as Bilbao won the Copa del Rey and finished fifth in La Liga.
Williams’ performances have unsurprisingly led to him being linked with various clubs. Liverpool is one team that has been linked with an interest. Barcelona, as well as Arsenal, are reportedly interested in the 21-year-old.
Williams’ performance earned him the man of the match award against Spain, as well as accolades from former Manchester United captain Roy Keane. Keane told ITV: “Pure quality. He has pace, something you cannot coach. We saw in the first half that he is a threat.
“When he goes one-on-one with the full-back, he gets into a lot of difficulty. We observed that he can fire and cross to the left or right. Excellent performance, top player in the park, strength, positive attitude, and strong.”
Former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville concurred, describing Williams as a ‘nightmare’ for any full-back he faces.
“That run there is incredible,” Neville added. “He should have done better with the opportunity, but his hard face run inside has never failed to damage a fullback. Even if it doesn’t work out, you know you’re in for a long game. He goes outside and inside, sets the goal, and is a nightmare to play against.”
