The La Liga remains one of the best leagues in the world, and it’s not surprising to see football scouts scouring Spain’s top division league every now and then in search of football’s next big things.
An array of youngsters with a lot of potentials ply their trade in the west European countries, and every other season, a few of them stand out and get to attract the big clubs to themselves. A most recent exemplary of such rare gems is Atletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams.
The Spaniard who holds dual citizenship as a result of his father’s Ghanaian heritage has been a joy to watch since he burst onto the scenes while still in his late teens. Not quite the finished product and still rough around the edges, that hasn’t stopped him from commanding the attention of the elite clubs.
Arsenal and Manchester City once had the 22-year-old under their radars last summer, but Bilbao quickly slammed a €50 million buyout clause on him after he put pen to the paper for a 5-year contract extension in January. The forward, primarily an out-and-out striker has often been deployed on the wings due to his blistering pace.
The Atletic Club youth team product had his big break last season as he went on to notch 8 strikes in 25 La Liga games. His sharpness in attack and ability to help his teammates upfront earned him a spot on Del Bosque’s 11-man standby list for the Euros 2016. He didn’t make the final cut but earned an international cap. And with still a lot of time to further hone his skills and talents, he sure has a place in the national team in the nearest future.
The EPL links haven’t stopped even though it’s still 3 months until business resumes for another transfer window. Liverpool’s honcho Jurgen Klopp reportedly have plans to lure the youngster to Anfield in January, and considering his strength, finishing abilities, dribbling skills and most especially his speed, it is understandable why the German tactician would want to add Inaki to his attacking arsenal.
Now a permanent name on the club’s starting lineup sheet, Williams has featured in all the team’s La Liga matches (7) for this season and contributed immensely to their run of 4 wins and 3 losses. He already has an assist, created 4 chances, recorded 63% shot accuracy and averaged 56% pass accuracy thus far.
His versatility in various attacking roles makes him quite a handy player, and chances are that he won’t remain at Bilbao for long. Able to play excellently and brilliantly well on both wings, through the middle behind a striker and also as a supporting or main striker, he sure has a lot of (market) value.
Everton are another side said to be eyeing a move, and just maybe a Merseyside switch is on the books come winter considering how both clubs in the city are poring over a potential move.
16 goals and 8 eight assists in 69 total appearances over the course of the last 3 seasons are a great return for a 22-year-old, and it is best imagined how better the statistics would get over the coming years if his steady development and growth continues.