Former Arsenal target Nico Williams is facing criticism for his pre-season performances after his team’s latest defeat to the Gunners.
Arsenal were one of a number of clubs interested in signing Spanish winger Nico Williams in the last few transfer windows.
Available for a reasonable release clause and off the back of a strong campaign, a summer move away from Athletic Club seemed inevitable. Yet the winger ended up turning all suitors down to renew his contract instead.
It was an admirable decision, choosing to stick with the club of his youth despite the likes of Barcelona circling, but the goodwill generated by the renewal doesn’t seem to have lasted long.
Athletic Club have lost five consecutive pre-season friendlies, including last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Williams has played 252 minutes in those games, but he’s yet to score a goal.
Spanish outlet Sport report that Williams isn’t performing at the level expected after his contract renewal, and add that he’ll be pushed a little harder this season.
The player’s performances are reportedly fueling doubts around Athletic’s preparations for the new campaign, and the defeat to Arsenal went down particularly poorly – as the fifth in a row and with a first-half injury to Unai Gomez.
With Champions League participation on the horizon, the team would have hoped to be more competitive against some of their pre-season opponents. Losing to Arsenal and Liverpool is one thing, but the team have also suffered defeats to Racing Santander, PSV Eindhoven, and Alaves.
Athletic Club kick off their La Liga campaign against Sevilla on Sunday, who finished 17th last season and have only won one of their own pre-season games.
Should Athletic Club lose again this weekend, it promises to be a toxic start to Williams’ post-renewal career.