“He can leave any full-back in the world with nightmares” - Joselu lavishes praise on Spain teammate ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final
Spain striker Joselu heaped praise on his teammate Nico Williams ahead of their UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final clash against France. The two sides will face off at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday, July 9.
Williams has been brilliant in his first European Championships. He has contributed one goal and one assist, both coming in La Roja's 4-1 win over Georgia in Euro 2024 Round of 16. However, aside from goal contributions, he has been a constant threat on the left flank, taking on and beating defenders.
Ahead of their clash against France, Joselu shared how even at the club level, Real Madrid focused individually on Williams. He said (via The NY Times):
"When we met him in La Liga last season we already realised he is an absolute rocket of a player. In every game against Athletic Bilbao, we analysed him individually, he is so dangerous with the one-on-ones and has now added goalscoring and chance-creating to his game. Nico can leave any full-back in the world with nightmares.”
Williams, 21, scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 games across competitions for Athletic Bilbao last season. He helped them win the Copa del Rey with three goals and five assists in just six appearances.
The Spaniard has been on the radar of clubs across Europe this summer, especially Barcelona. The Blaugrana are committed to attempting to sign him, as per journalist Matteo Moretto.
Taking a look at Spain's Euro 2024 so far ahead of semi-final against France
Spain have arguably been the best side, both in terms of results and dominance, at UEFA Euro 2024. While they weren't the favorites to win the trophy at the start, they have certainly become one now.
La Roja were placed in Group B with Italy, Croatia, and Albania. They started the campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Croatia before beating Italy 1-0. They then beat Albania 1-0 to become the only team to have a perfect record in the Euro 2024 group stages.
Spain faced Georgia in the Round of 16 and went 1-0 down in the 18th minute due to Robin Le Normand's own goal. However, they bounced back well and completely dominated their opponents, winning 4-1.
They then faced hosts Germany in the quarter-finals. After Dani Olmo gave Spain a 51st-minute lead, Florian Wirtz's 89th-minute equaliser took it to extra time. Mikel Merino then scored via a header in the 119th minute to help La Roja secure a place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.