Nico Williams, having failed to accept a move to Barcelona in the summer, is again back in the news, not only because of the Catalan giants’ struggles to register Dani Olmo but also due to the speculations linking him away from Athletic Club in the January window.
Nico Williams is stealing the headlines in another transfer window, but his season so far prescribes caution for elite teams, who are on the lookout for world class left-wingers, because the Bilbao priced asset still lacks the consistency required of players of the statue he eyes.
The 22-year-old had a stellar campaign with the Basque club last term, playing a vital role in their run to the Copa Del Rey title, and in the summer, he was a mainstay in the Spain side that conquered Europe, by winning the UEFA European championship in Germany.
Nico, who was nominated in the team of the tournament later finished 15th in the Ballon D’or ranking, adding to his value, alongside the reputation he has started earning himself. Despite having a release clause of €58 million, he has a market value of €70 million.
However, his recent performances, in the first-half of the ongoing season, suggests that the hype surrounding him may be disproportionate to his actual performance and ceiling.
Why Nico Williams isn’t worth a Marque hype
Nico Williams, although possesses notable speed and dribbling skills, which makes him one of the most exciting left-wingers in the world, his productivity is rather low and very inconsistent, and that (productivity) is the key that make a marquee player.
The Spanish winger has scored once and added three assists in 17 La Liga appearances so far, four goal involvement in so many games is a number that will put a marquee player up for criticism as a top club.
Take for example, he is linked with Arsenal, who currently employs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the left wing position, and have both not been performing up to expectation so far, yet they have better statistics than the Athletic Club man.
One might argue a case for Nico Williams, that he plays for Athletic Club, but that is one of the best attacking teams in the Spanish top-fight, and as per ranking, the English league is considered more competitive than the one in Spain.
Nico’s goal-scoring record does not align with the expectations for a player commanding such a hype. This inconsistency raises questions about his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and against top teams.
Nico Williams’ situation may be likened to that of Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021. Despite his obvious talent, the winger failed to live up to expectations in a much improved environment.
Yet, there has been no significant drop in his style of play, it’s only his low output that has made him an instrument of constant criticism, and that has always been Jack Grealish, even before City broke the British transfer record, and spent £100 million for his signature.
Low productivity may be acceptable at smaller teams, but for a marquee signing, it cannot be overlooked. Even players that cost less will be demanded to up their games at top clubs, because they are taking up a valuable space.
Dani Olmo, who was Barcelona’s plan B has hit the ground running upon return to the club, netting five goals in eleven La Liga games, where he has started seven times. Hansi Flick surely have no regrets now, although they still have to sort the registration chaos.
Having turned down Barcelona last summer, this season is one that really put Nico in the spotlight. But after such show in the first-half of the season, he hasn’t convinced of being the player he ought to be giving the hype surrounding him, and now risks being flooded from the sights of elite teams.
It is unlikely that Euro 2024 winner leave San Mames this window, and if he still wish to entice top clubs when he deemed right to leave Basque, then he has got to level up his output, because productivity is the end product of all the good skillset.
If he will be worth the hype of a marquee player, the end of the season will be enough to provide more clue, but as for the time being, the Spaniard is still missing the main of the pieces that makes a world beater.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
