Athletic Bilbao is riding high this season, thanks to standout performances from their ace striker, Iñaki Williams. The forward has not only been instrumental for the team but has also established himself as one of the stars of La Liga. Williams’s remarkable form has come at a time when Athletic Club is battling with the giants like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona for supremacy, making his contributions all the more significant.
This season, Williams has scored eight goals, equally tying him with teammate Oihan Sancet as the club’s top scorer. His impressive tally is complemented by his roles as the leading assister with five assists to his name. According to reports by El Athletic Club, Williams displayed his multifaceted skillset during the recent match against Osasuna, where he showcased not just his scoring ability but also his capacity to create opportunities for others.
During the match held at El Sadar, Williams was relentless, continuously testing Osasuna's defense, making it difficult for defender Juan Cruz to maintain control. His unyielding pressure resulted not only in scoring chances but also led to Gorka Guruzeta's brilliant equalizer—a header assisted by Williams, showcasing his playmaking skills. Although he did not score himself, his contributions were central to the team's performance, even earning him the MVP title after the match.
Williams's season performance has been stellar, with four goals coming from La Liga matches against teams like Leganés and Villarreal, and another four from the Europa League. His knack for being involved during crunch moments has seen him rise to the occasion time and again, reminding fans and analysts alike of his importance to the team. His assist tally reflects this, with several key assists contributing to significant match outcomes, proving he’s more than just a goal-scorer.
The synergy between Williams and his brother, Nico, has been applauded, as both players have formed the backbone of a team eager to reclaim its glory. Iñaki has not only risen as a key player this season, but his skillful runs down the right flank and his ability to read the game have drawn comparisons to some of the best forwards in football history.
This season marks Iñaki's 445th appearance for Athletic Bilbao, placing him among the top ten players for most games played in the club's illustrious history. His total of 108 goals scored throughout his history at Athletic makes him the 19th highest scorer for the club, closing the gap on the legendary Julen Guerrero, who scored 116 goals. This statistic only adds to the narrative of Williams as one of the indispensable components of the Athletic team.
Williams’s role hasn’t just been about scoring. He’s frequently found creating plays, utilizing his agility and vision to assist teammates. His five assists highlight how he’s become an all-around player, connecting with others to find the net. He delivered three assists during the electrifying match against Las Palmas, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
With the club enjoying its best form deemed unreachable over the last decade, much credit is rightfully bestowed upon the Williams brothers. Their contributions are underscored by the tactical prowess of coach Ernesto Valverde, who has managed to unify the squad, leading Athletic to the top echelons of La Liga, and the Europa League competitions.
The 2024 season holds promise as Athletic continues to aspire for trophies, having recently snatched headlines with their form. With the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona now viewing them as formidable foes, the pressure on Iñaki Williams remains ever-present. Yet, he seems to thrive on it, proving time and again why he is seen as one of the architects of the current successful chapter for the Athletic Club.
Reflecting on his contributions, El Athletic Club stated, "Un seguro de vida. El Athletic está en la era de Iñaki Williams,” showcasing the regard with which he is held within the club. Williams's continued excellence fuels optimism as fans look forward to what he might achieve as the season progresses.
Only time will tell if he can lead his team to victory and achieve the silverware they so desperately crave, but one thing is certain: Williams's impact has already etched his name deeply within the club's storied legacy.
