Nico Williams shone brightly in Spain’s 4-1 victory over Georgia at Euro 2024, setting a record that even Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t matched, Soccernet.football reports.
The 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao winger scored one goal and assisted another, helping Spain come from behind in their round of 16 match in Cologne. This win sets up a quarter-final clash with hosts Germany.
Williams’ performance was historic. According to Opta, he is the first player in the UEFA European Championship (since 1980) to score, assist, and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a game he started.
After the match, his older brother and Ghana international Inaki Williams, praised him on social media, saying, “What a great thing that you are my brother, Nico Williams.”
Top clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea, are reportedly interested in signing Williams. Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, is particularly keen on bringing him to the Camp Nou this summer.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, while praising his team’s talent and commitment, emphasizing their confidence and ability, will hope Williams is not distracted by the transfer rumours.
“We have a lot of confidence and a team with talent, quality, and commitment,” he said.
“Being convinced of your ability is very important. I don’t want to offend anyone but we have the best team at this tournament.
“Germany is a fantastic team, they have some of the best players in the world and they are very organised, very disciplined.
“But they will face a team that is very similar to them, very committed, very well organised, difficult to overcome, hungry with lots of ambition.
“I know it’s the usual thing to say but in football, it’s the small details that will decide the match and what happens in the end.”
Spain will face Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday, July 5, at the MHPArena.