An 'electric' dribbler inspired by Neymar - 'Ambitious' Nico Williams relishing 'dream' Man Utd clash with Athletic Club
Published 30/04/2025 at 16:03 GMT+1
Athletic Club face Manchester United in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League as they aim to reach the final at their home stadium of San Mames. Athletic's Nico Williams says his side will "give everything" to reach the final and has spoken about his "electric" playing style that draws inspiration from Neymar. Williams has also said he hopes to continue at Athletic alongside his brother Inaki.
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Nico Williams says it is "something very special" to be playing in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with Athletic Club - and hopes his "electric" dribbling can fire his side to a "dream" final at home.
Athletic beat Rangers in the quarter-finals to set up a tie with Manchester United in the last four, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
It is the first time Athletic have been in the semis of a European competition since they made the final in 2012.
This time around, they have the added carrot of the final being held at their home stadium of San Mames.
"We understand how important it is - for the city, for us, and for the fans," Williams told TNT Sports ahead of the first leg against United on Thursday, May 1.
"We want to reach that final and prove that we’re capable. We’re up against a tough opponent like Manchester United, but we’ll give everything to make it happen."
Williams came up through the youth academy at Athletic along with his older brother Inaki.
The pair have both scored five goals in the Europa League this season and will likely be key to Athletic’s chances of progression, which doesn’t put any added pressure on Nico’s shoulders.
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"I've always felt that responsibility - especially after winning the European Championships with Spain [in 2024]," he said.
"All eyes were on me, but I don’t feel pressure. I know what I have to do: show that I can keep growing as a player and prove that I’m ambitious. Whatever comes my way will be good for me."
For Manchester United fans who haven’t watched Nico Williams ahead of the semi-finals, what should they expect from him?
"I think I'm electric," he says.
"I love dribbling - I’ve enjoyed it since I was little. I look up to players like Neymar, who play in a way that’s a bit similar to mine."
Nico Williams has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, although Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde has said he hopes to keep a "very important player".
Williams says it is a "privilege" to play for Athletic alongside his brother and has suggested he hopes to remain with the club.
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"I want to keep developing as a player. The team is doing really well in the Europa League this season, and we're all very happy.
"Playing with my brother is really important to me - it's something beautiful. From playing together in the park to playing here at San Mames, it's incredible. I hope we can keep competing in Europe together. I'm very happy about it.
"Playing in European competitions with the team I've been with since I was 11 means a lot. It's something I'm really proud of - my mom is proud too and so is all my family. Playing alongside my brother makes it even more amazing. I hope we can continue doing it for many years."
Manchester United beat Lyon in a thrilling quarter-final and are unbeaten in the Europa League this season.
Despite their domestic struggles, sitting 14th in the Premier League table, Williams thinks United will prove a tough test for Athletic.
"I think they’re having a good run in the Europa League - they’re doing things well, and if they've made it this far, it's for a reason," he said.
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"They might be struggling a bit in the Premier League, but they have a strong squad with players who can score goals. We'll try to do our best to prevent that from happening.
"All the games we’ve played in the Europa League have been tough. This is a stage every player dreams of playing on. I’m really excited for Thursday.
"Facing Manchester United has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I hope I can give my best."
Valverde: Big opportunity for Athletic
Athletic have yet to win a European trophy, twice losing in the final of the Europa League/UEFA Cup.
Head coach Valverde says the chance to play the final at their own stadium has been on their minds all season.
"We have been waiting for this match since the beginning of the season," he told TNT Sports.
"We are looking forward to playing this game, so there are big expectations here to watch Manchester United after some years and it’s a big opportunity to be in the final, which will be here in this stadium.
"All the finals mean something very special for Athletic. We know that from the beginning of the season, all the people were thinking about this possibility and we have been fighting all year to be here and try to play this final.
"Manchester United is a great team, one of the biggest teams in Europe. We know they are not in the position they expected at the start of the season in the Premier League but in Europe, they haven’t lost a game and we know the potential they have and the players and coach they have. We know they are one of the favourites to win the title."
Watch the Premier League and UEFA Europa League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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