Athletic Bilbao manager Edin Terzi has backed Ghana international Inaki Williams to play an important role for the Spanish club during the upcoming season.
Williams scored as Athletic Bilbao beat lower-tier side Burgos 3-0 in a pre-season friendly at the weekend, giving the Ghana forward an encouraging start to his preparations for the new campaign.
The 32-year-old is also set to captain Athletic for a second successive season, underlining his importance to the squad as the club prepares for a demanding schedule.
Terzi highlighted Williams’ ability to contribute in different attacking positions and made clear that he expects the Ghanaian to be useful to the team in a variety of roles.
“We played an excellent match. We hope Iaki can help the team in different positions, Terzi said.
The comments came after Williams helped Athletic record a convincing pre-season victory over Burgos, with his goal adding to a performance that will give the club encouragement before competitive football resumes.
Williams has been a prominent figure for Athletic Bilbao and Ghana for several years and remains one of the Spanish club’s most influential players.
His pace and work rate have made him a valuable attacking option, while his ability to operate in different areas of the forward line gives Athletic greater flexibility.
Those qualities are expected to be particularly important as the club prepares for the new campaign, with Williams also bringing considerable experience to a squad that will be competing across multiple fronts.
The Ghana international has developed a strong connection with Athletic’s supporters after years of service to the club. His performances and commitment have made him a popular figure at San Mams, where he is regarded as one of the team’s key players.
His appointment as captain for a second consecutive season further reflects the trust placed in him by the club.
Williams will also be hoping to put last season’s difficulties behind him. Injury setbacks affected his campaign and prevented him from consistently producing his best performances.
The new season therefore presents an opportunity for the forward to regain the form that has made him such an important player for both Athletic Bilbao and the Ghana national team.
His experience could prove especially valuable as Athletic attempt to compete strongly in all their competitions. Alongside his attacking qualities, Williams’ leadership is expected to provide an additional benefit for the Spanish side.
Terzi’s confidence in the Ghanaian comes at a significant stage of the club’s preparations. Athletic’s pre-season victory over Burgos provided Williams with an opportunity to demonstrate his attacking threat, while his goal offered an early indication that he could be ready to make a strong contribution once the competitive season begins.
For Williams, the immediate task will be to maintain his fitness and build on his pre-season performances after an injury-affected campaign.
Athletic will hope their captain can rediscover his best form and use his pace, versatility and experience to help the club achieve its objectives.
With Terzi viewing him as someone capable of contributing in different positions, Williams is likely to remain central to Athletic’s plans as the club moves towards the new season.
The Ghana forward’s leadership, combined with his experience and attacking ability, could make him a key figure as Athletic seek to challenge across all competitions.
After a difficult previous campaign, Williams now has the opportunity to begin again, with his goal against Burgos providing an encouraging first step.
