Inaki Williams’ La Liga record run of 251 straight matches for Athletic Bilbao finally came to an end last weekend. The Ghanaian striker didn’t play against Celta Vigo, and it’s not a coincidence that Athletic Bilbao went on to lose 1-0.
He has always been available for Los Leones when called upon, so this was surprising to many. Overall, he had a great run, although it may have been taken for granted.
Athletic Bilbao’s recent La Liga 2023 results haven’t been encouraging since they’ve yet to win a league game this year, so they’re hoping that they’ll have their talisman back sooner rather than later.
But for today, let’s examine and put Williams’ unbelievable run into perspective.
Williams was always available for Athletic Bilbao
It’s crazy to think that Inaki Williams hadn’t missed an Athletic Bilbao game for seven years before last Sunday. Before, he was just a kid at 21 years old, and now he plays with his younger brother Nico on the team, who made his debut in April 2021.
Inaki and Nico Williams are the first siblings to play together for the same La Liga side since 1986. Inaki also holds the record for being the first black player to score in the club’s long history, when he scored in February 2015.
He also actually broke the previous record for most consecutive La Liga appearances back in October 2021, surpassing Juanan Larranaga’s 202 games.
Maybe it’s luck or genetics, but since 2016, Williams has had no injuries, illnesses, unnecessary red cards, suspensions, desire to leave Basque, or rest. And when he played, he never took a possession off.
Ernesto Valverde was his manager before his unreal streak started in April 2016. And between Valverde’s two spells as Athletic Bilbao manager, there were Kuko Ziganda, Edurardo Berizzo, Gaizka Garitano, and Marcelino Garcia Toral.
They were different coaches, but they all agreed on one thing, which was to always play Inaki Williams.
Athletic Bilbao are not the same without Williams
With Williams out, Athletic Bilbao lost their second consecutive La Liga match, and Ernesto Valverde lamented that they were outplayed by Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Los Leones’ opportunities to score were few and far between, even if they were the dominant side during the first half.
Alex Berenguer’s volley was their best chance to go ahead, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. Iago Aspas’ strike in the 70th minute proved decisive, and Inaki Williams could only sit and watch.
If Inaki Williams played, Athletic Bilbao would at least have a few more chances in goal because of his power and speed in the final third, despite not being known as a clinical finisher.
Prior to the Celta Vigo game, Inaki Williams helped take Athletic Bilbao into the Copa del Rey semi-finals with another fine performance before getting subbed off late.
Ernesto Valverde said that Williams had discomfort in his hamstring. And although Williams can play through pain, Valverde decided not to risk him any further with important games coming up.
In the meantime, Gorka Guruzeta, who started as the No. 9 against Celta Vigo, is going to lead their frontline as Inaki Williams is recovering from his latest knock.
Guruzeta has big shoes to fill, although he has done well for himself so far this season, joining Williams at the top of Athletic Bilbao’s scoring charts with five goals apiece.
Meanwhile, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams, Alex Berenguer, Iker Munlain, and Mikel Vesga would need to have better performances too.
Can Athletic Bilbao make it back to Europe?
Athletic Bilbao need to pick up points if they have plans to spark a top four challenge. The SBOTOP La Liga 2023 odds don’t provide an encouraging outlook, but time is still on their side with 19 more games to play.
Los Leones are currently in ninth place with 26 points, which is eight away from fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
Three of their next four La Liga games are winnable since they’re against teams in the bottom half of the table in Cadiz, Valencia, and Girona, while not losing to Atletico Madrid on February 20th would be ideal.
Inaki Williams’ injury is not expected to be that serious, so he should be back in the fold soon, ready to serve his club when called upon once again. But even if they don’t make it back to Europe at the end of this season, Williams can take pride in what he has achieved at his hometown club, as his incredible feat will surely stand the test of time.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
