Spain have named Nico Williams in their squad for the Nations League games against Switzerland and Portugal this September.
The 20-year-old winger – eligible to play for Ghana through his parents – was recently courted to represent the African giants together with his senior brother Iñaki Williams.
While Iñaki – who had represented Spain at senior level once – accepted to commit his international future to Ghana immediately, Nico was not keen to and preferred to explore his chances given he had more years ahead.
Nationality Switch: ‘Inaki, not Nico, to commit to Ghana now’
Now with a goal and assist in his first 5 LaLiga games for Athletic Bilbao this new season, Spain coach Luis Enrique decided to hand Nico a first-time call-up – a decision many believe has been influenced by the fear of losing the youngster to Ghana like Iñaki.
“Pure wingers need to learn how to play inside, and Nico is learning that.
“He has a great pace to overload defences. We’re taking advantage to get to watch him firsthand,” Enrique said in an attempt to explain the decision to name Nico.
Nico Williams breaks silence on international future
This is the last international window ahead of the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup, meaning it is a final chance for fringe players and new faces to convince Luis Enrique to take them to the tournament.
Spain are top of League A Group 2 with two wins and two draws from four games. They are scheduled to host Switzerland on September 24 and then travel to take on Portugal three days later.
Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Robert Sanchez (Brighton & Hove Albion/ENG), David Raya (Brentford/ENG)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG), Eric Garcia, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Pau Torres (Villarreal), Diego Llorente (Leeds United/ENG), Hugo Guillamon (Valencia), Jose Gaya (Valencia)
Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi (all Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City/ENG), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Soler (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA)
Forwards: Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid), Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain/FRA), Yeremi Pino (Villarreal), Borja Iglesias (Real Betis), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Ferran Torres (Barcelona)
