Athletic Club’s head coach, Ernesto Valverde, has lauded Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams for his exceptional performance on the field, particularly his vigorous runs during matches. Valverde, the former Barcelona manager, acknowledges that Williams’ intensity sets him apart from opponents.
Following Athletic Club’s crucial 3-2 victory over Girona in a La Liga encounter on Monday night, Valverde took note of Williams’ contribution to the team, especially his ninth league goal of the season.
“Inaki Williams demonstrates a level of intensity in his runs that surpasses that of our opponents. However, it’s essential to recognize that maintaining such high levels of effort throughout the game can be challenging, as players need to recuperate,” remarked Valverde.
While goals are often the primary measure of a striker’s performance, Valverde emphasized the overall value of Williams’ contributions to the team beyond scoring.
“Scoring today showcases his goal-scoring prowess, which we are delighted about. However, his consistent hard work on the field is always invaluable to us,” added Valverde.
Williams’ goal against Girona brings him closer to a significant milestone, as he inches towards scoring his 100th goal for Bilbao, further highlighting his effectiveness in front of the net.
With this crucial win, Athletic Club climbed to fifth place in the La Liga standings, positioning them just two points behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid. The victory underscores the team’s determination to compete at the highest level and secure favorable standings in the league.