Nico Williams revolutionizes Spain

Nico Williams came out in the 73rd minute, revolutionized Spain against Portugal and gave Morata the assist that is worth a classification for the final four of the League of Nations. Almost nothing for a newcomer. The Athletic footballer has knocked down the door with only two international appearances and in the second he has been decisive for Luis Enrique’s team to remain among the best in this UEFA competition.

La Roja had not won in the neighboring country for 19 years and the victory with the goal by the Atlético striker is a morale boost for the ever closer appointment of Qatar after the painful defeat against Switzerland, which had caused many Doubts. The Navarrese winger has put the Asturian coach in a serious bind because with only 20 years and two games he has applied to be in the World Cup, a goal that he did not imagine even in his wildest dreams. The coach from Gijón sighed for a different footballer, deep, vertical, with a spark, unpredictable, and he has found him in the youngest of the saga, daring but with a lesson well learned: do what he knows how to do and forget about trying other things that he does not match your profile.

In any case, the action that changed everything was possible because Unai Simón padlocked his goal in a big way until the Portuguese were frustrated. Cristiano Ronaldo became desperate because every time he started to raise his arms to celebrate the goal, the Athletic goalkeeper appeared there, who beat him two heads-up with insulting self-importance -the one in the first half with a stretch that covered the whole bow-. He also took another one from Diogo Jota with a saving hand that even deserved the Manchester United star’s congratulations.

The Spain of the second part was very different from that of the first. The slow and horizontal rondos gave way to a possession that always made sense thanks to the entry of Busquets, who moved Pedri, Gavi and Yéremy, who had also joined, like no other to harass the Portuguese area. It was dangerous, but the final pass did not emerge, the one that broke the seams of the locals in the Municipal Stadium of Braga. Luis Enrique only had one change left in his search for the goal. Borja Iglesias’ option was very feasible because the team needed to score to have options.

total offensive

But not. The coach looked at Nico Williams and, as the player himself later revealed, gave him a very clear slogan: “Be brave, face up and be yourself.” Said and done. The rojiblanco midfielder came out on the left flank -it is not his natural position- and only a minute after jumping onto the field he had already shot on goal. By then, La Roja’s offensive was complete and the player from Pamplona had become the bullet the team needed in their almost desperate attempt to bring down the Portuguese wall. As was the case against Switzerland, he changed bands permanently and took possession of both. In minute 76 he was about to catch a rebound after a shot from Morata. And in minute 83, from the right, he faced the rival, threatened him, went inside and shot with his left foot. He gives the feeling that, far from weighing him down, Nico Williams likes responsibility, loading his backpack with challenges that make him grow from a self-confident under control and with the right speed. For all, yes, but with talent and head. No precipitation.

With two great saves, Unai Simón made Cristiano’s night bitter /

EFE

Portugal suffered greatly when the action occurred that the rojiblanco will undoubtedly remember all his life. Carvajal put a cross into the area in the 87th minute and Nico Williams left the ball on a tray for Morata with a subtle touch with his head towards the small area. The battering ram only had to push it. Later, he ran with a smile from ear to ear to hug his Athletic teammate in the national team and pointed his finger at him. “The goal is yours,” he told her before the rest of the players pounced on him to hug him.

The rojiblanco’s face was full of happiness. His numbers are undeniable: one assist, one chance created, two shots on goal, four dribbles, nine out of ten successful deliveries and one center into the box. The perfect shock in the little more than twenty minutes he was on the pitch. His attendance is worth a ticket to next summer’s Final Four, where Spain will meet Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands. And who knows if he is also worth a passport for this winter’s appointment in Qatar. Nico Williams lap higher and higher.