Nico Williams, the talented Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger, has opened up about the footballers who inspired his playing style. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are common idols for young attackers, Williams also named former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha as a major influence. At just 22 years old, he has already made over 150 appearances for Bilbao and earned 24 international caps, marking him as one of Europe’s top emerging talents.
His performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, with Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea reportedly interested in signing him this summer. While many players look up to Ronaldo and Neymar, Williams’ admiration for Zaha is a less predictable choice. He admitted that he not only tried to emulate the Ivorian’s dribbling ability but also styled his hair to resemble him.
He emphasized the special bond within the team as a key reason for staying, highlighting the club’s unity and respect among players. Despite staying put, rumors about his future persist, with Premier League giants Arsenal considering him as part of their attacking rebuild. Chelsea, too, are reportedly monitoring his situation as they continue their squad overhaul.
Williams played a key role in Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, scoring in the final against England. His performances at the tournament further boosted his reputation, and speculation about a move to Barcelona gained momentum last summer. However, he ultimately chose to remain at Athletic Bilbao, a club he has been part of since 2013 and one he holds in high regard.
While Williams is yet to reach double digits in goals for a single season, his contributions extend far beyond scoring. His pace, creativity, and ability to take on defenders make him a valuable asset. So far, he has netted six times in all competitions this season, reinforcing his importance to Bilbao’s attack.
Before any transfer decision, Williams remains focused on Athletic Bilbao’s Europa League campaign. They face Roma in the second leg of their last-16 tie, aiming to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg. With the final set to take place at Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, the club has extra motivation to push for European success.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Williams’ future remains uncertain. With clubs lining up to secure his signature, the coming months will determine whether he continues his journey at Bilbao or takes the next step in his career with a move to a European giant.