Nico Williams Profile: From Lezama Graduate to La Liga Star

Nico Williams profile headlines the new wave of Spanish football talent, chronicling an explosive winger-turned-midfielder who has already stamped his mark on Athletic Bilbao and the national team. Born in Pamplona on 12 July 2002, Williams graduated from Athletic’s famed Lezama academy and debuted for the senior side in April 2021. Since then, his growth has been meteoric, underpinned by blistering pace, fearless dribbling and a knack for decisive contributions in the final third.

Nico Williams profile & season-by-season stats

Williams’ senior career statistics reveal steady progress in appearances, goals and assists across all competitions.

• 2020-21: 6 appearances (La Liga & Copa) – 0 G / 0 A
• 2021-22: 40 appearances – 3 G / 4 A
• 2022-23: 43 appearances – 9 G / 6 A
• 2023-24*: 35 appearances – 6 G / 11 A (ongoing)

Beyond raw numbers, the Nico Williams profile also highlights progressive carries (5.6 per 90), chance creation (2.1 key passes per 90) and defensive contribution (0.9 tackles won per 90)—metrics that underline his all-action style.

Athletic Bilbao role and tactical evolution

Initially introduced as a right-flank spark plug, Williams has gradually diversified his game. Ernesto Valverde often deploys him on the left to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, allowing overlapping full-back Yuri Berchiche to stretch width. In possession, Williams hugs the touchline before darting diagonally into half-spaces where he can combine with Iker Muniain or feed Iñaki Williams, his older brother. Off the ball, he presses high and recovers rapidly, reflecting the Basque club’s historic work ethic.

International breakthrough with La Roja

Williams earned his first Spain cap in September 2022, coming off the bench against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League. A month later, he provided a crucial assist for Álvaro Morata versus Portugal, securing Spain’s place in the competition’s finals. At the 2022 World Cup, Williams featured in all four matches, completing 11 successful dribbles—the most by any Spanish player in the tournament. Luis de la Fuente now considers him a core component of the national team’s post-2024 rebuild.

How Nico Williams profile compares to Europe’s elite

According to FBref percentile rankings among top-five-league wingers and attacking midfielders:

• Progressive carries – 92nd percentile
• Successful take-ons – 89th percentile
• Expected assists – 81st percentile
• Non-penalty goals – 74th percentile

These advanced metrics show Williams rubbing shoulders with Bukayo Saka and Rafael Leão in ball progression while still sharpening his finishing to reach elite levels.

Key strengths

1. Acceleration: From standing start to full throttle in two strides, unbalancing defenders.
2. Ambipedal dribbling: Comfortably beats opponents both inside and outside.
3. Final-third vision: Rapidly improving cut-backs and cross-selection.

Areas to refine

1. Shot selection: Occasionally opts for low-percentage efforts instead of recycling possession.
2. Physical duels: Although agile, he can be muscled off the ball by bigger full-backs.

Contract status and transfer speculation

Williams’ current deal runs until June 2024, but Athletic have tabled a lucrative extension reportedly featuring a €50 million release clause. Premier League clubs Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool are monitoring developments, attracted by his age profile and homegrown-style versatility. Nevertheless, the winger has repeatedly stated his desire to emulate club legend Iker Muniain by winning silverware in Bilbao.

Family, personality and off-pitch life

The Nico Williams profile would be incomplete without acknowledging his Ghanaian heritage and close bond with brother Iñaki. Off the pitch, Williams is known for a disarming smile, vlogs showcasing Basque cuisine, and charitable work with Athletic’s foundation, supporting underprivileged youth in Bilbao and Pamplona.

The road ahead

With Spain targeting Euro 2024 glory and Athletic chasing European qualification, 2024 could be pivotal. Statistically, if Williams maintains his current expected assists trajectory (0.28 xA per 90), he will end the season with double-digit assists for the first time. Add modest shooting improvements—he currently converts 10.3% of attempts—and a 15-goal, 12-assist campaign appears realistic.

What experts say

Former Spain coach Luis Enrique once remarked, “Nico combines the verticality of a classic winger with the intelligence of a modern inside forward.” Analyst Sid Lowe echoed that view, calling him “one of the most tactically flexible wide players in La Liga.” Such praise fuels the belief that Williams could eventually join Europe’s top five attackers.

Stat corner: Heat map insight

Recent data shows 41% of Nico’s touches occurring in the left channel between the halfway line and penalty area, with 28% inside the box, emphasizing his growing penalty-area presence compared to 17% the previous season.

Short opinion

Nico Williams embodies the ethos of Athletic Bilbao—homegrown, hardworking and technically gifted. If the club can fend off foreign suitors and Nico polishes his end product, San Mamés may soon see its first homegrown superstar since Andoni Iraola. His trajectory suggests not just a bright future but the potential to redefine what it means to be an Athletic winger in the modern game.