Robin Bairner
Nico Williams, Crystal Palace, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Nico Williams has revealed the players that he grew up basing his game on, naming Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo… and an unexpected Crystal Palace star.
The Athletic Club player has been one of the most talked about players in the world game for the last year, with his devastating performances at Euro 2024 leading Spain to ultimate glory.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta makes UNEXPECTED Arsenal transfer demand
Nico describes himself as an “electric” player, with the foundation of his dribbling inspired by some of the greatest wingers of the modern era - including Wilfried Zaha.
Asked by France Football" href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Nico-williams-j-adorais-wilfried-zaha-a-crystal-palace/1544912" target="_blank">France Football, who he modelled his game on, he replied: “Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo. I loved that type of attacker.
“And Wilfried Zaha, who I’ve not named yet. I loved him when he was at Crystal Palace. He was a player I loved. I cut my hair to look like him.
“I tried to dribble like them, copy them to the maximum and to move like them. To do 5% of what they’ve done…”
While Neymar and Ronaldo have reached the top of the game, it’s never quite materialised for Zaha, who enjoyed two excellent spells at Crystal Palace sandwiched between a difficult time at Manchester United.
Now 32, he has moved to Galatasaray and is currently on loan at Charlotte FC in MLS.
Nico Williams addresses transfer speculation
Nico Williams’ brilliant form has led to constant transfer speculation" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/players/nicholas-williams-arthuer/transfer-news" target="_blank">constant transfer speculation regarding his future.
FootballTransfers understands that he is still a priority target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2025/02/exclusive-arsenal-to-smash-nico-williams-release-clause-as-tel-talks-stall" target="_blank">a priority target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who chased him last summer, and the 22-year-old has confirmed his reasons for staying with Athletic Club in Bilbao.
This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else.
- Nico Williams on Athletic Club
“This relationship we have at the heart of the club is incredible,” he said. “Everyone respects everyone else, which is incredible. This atmosphere, I’ll never have it anywhere else. I decided to stay because of that. I took the decision I thought was the right one. I’m happy and I’m trying to do my best.”
Barcelona and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Nico Williams, who is set to be one of the most coveted players in the summer transfer market.