Athletic Club Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has underlined the importance of forward Iñaki Williams to his side after the Ghana international delivered another influential performance in their 4–2 La Liga victory over Levante.
Williams provided two assists in the match, building on the momentum from his dramatic late winner against Valencia just days earlier, which secured Athletic’s place in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they will face Real Sociedad on February 11.
Speaking after the Levante win, Valverde emphasized how Williams’ recent contributions are lifting the entire squad.
“We hope the goal he scored and today’s performance will encourage him,” Valverde said. “He’s always a player who persists a lot, and that makes us produce a lot.”
The coach particularly praised Williams’ mentality and drive, traits that have become even more valuable following a challenging period earlier this season. Williams missed nearly two months of action with an abductor injury—an absence that also ruled him out of Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Since returning, the 29-year-old has quickly regained his sharpness and influence, offering Athletic a blend of pace, persistence, and decisive output in the final third.
Valverde’s comments signal not only relief at having his star forward back fit but also recognition of the emotional and competitive lift Williams brings to a team still competing on multiple fronts.
With La Liga’s European places in sight and a Copa del Rey semifinal looming, Williams’ resurgence could hardly be more timely for Los Leones.
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