Ghana gaffer Otto Addo hits a bright smile whenever he talks about new team forward Inaki Williams.
The Athletic Bilbao attacker born to Ghanaian parents in Spain is living his Black Star dream.
Inaki’s decision to switch nationality from Spain to Ghana breathes a sigh of options, of quality, of relief for the Black Stars at the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
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— IÑAKI WILLIAMS (@Williaaams45) July 5, 2022
Ghana’s first game is the star-studded Portugal on November 24 and the team needs potency in attack.
Key note: Aside Ghana’s 3-0 win against Madagascar, the Stars have not scored more than one in any of their recent matches.
Their last game? Brazil thrashed the four-time African champions 3-0 on September 23.
In Brazil’s attack was Richarlison; a high-flying skillful winger urged to play the center forward role for the Selecao. He scored twice in the first half.
Job done. Brazil coach Tite happy to have him.
Ghana has their “Richarlison-styled” forward in Inaki Williams.
A full speed winger, skillful, good on the counter, superb on the 1v1 situations and fits the centre-forward role too.
Away from the Richarlison comparisons, when Inaki Williams steps unto the pitch against Nicaragua, it will be his second international game for Ghana.
For my grandpas.
For my parents.
For my brother.
For my friends.
For my girlfriend.
For my people.
For GHANA.
I’m already a Blackstar. ??? pic.twitter.com/zSd6qapwcR— IÑAKI WILLIAMS (@Williaaams45) September 24, 2022
A match that he expects to bang in goals for the Black Stars.
And that will provide him with the confidence and momentum he desires in the final stretch of the preparations for the World Cup.
“He has been very, very good. He integrated well and gets along with a lot of players. From what I see in the game, he has adapted well.
“We are happy to have him in our team,” says Otto Addo who was speaking to the Ghana FA media team ahead of the Nicaragua friendly.
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?️ Artes Carraso De Lorca, Spain.
⏱️ 6:00pm#Blackstars | #NICGHA pic.twitter.com/9RA3kw4rif— Black Stars ?? (@GhanaBlackstars) September 27, 2022
Inaki has a junior brother, Nico Williams, who opted to play for Spain despite Ghana showing huge interest.
The Athletic Bilbao forward made his debut for La Roja, replacing Pablo Sarabia against Switzerland on Saturday, September 24.
Nico is expected to get minutes in the away clash against neighbours Portugal on Tuesday.
Ghana coach Otto Addo wished to have the 20-year-old.
“It will have been great to have Nico here but he opted to play for Spain which is fair and respected.
“I can understand this. I was born in Germany and grew up there. So you have two homes in your heart and this is always a tough decision.
“We respect that and hopefully we can play Spain one day.”
As Ghana prepares for the World Cup, it can only be bright for the team when arguably their lead marksman starts scoring in international and club football.
Inaki has two goals in six games for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
