BILBAO, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 8: (L-R) Inaki Williams of Athletic Club Bilbao, Udo Raghouber of UD Levante during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic de Bilbao v Levante at the San Mames Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by Cesar Ortiz/Soccrates/Getty Images)Athletic Club Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has heaped praise on forward Iaki Williams, crediting the Ghana international with driving the teams attacking output and competitive spirit.Speaking after Williams provided two assists in Bilbaos 42 La Liga win over Levante, Valverde highlighted the 29-year-olds persistence and energy as key catalysts for the side.Hes always a player who persists a lot, and that makes us produce a lot, Valverde said in his post-match comments.Williams latest contribution comes on the back of his decisive late goal against Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals, which secured Athletics passage to the semifinals, where they will face Real Sociedad on February 11.The forwards return to form has been particularly timely after a two-month layoff earlier this season due to an abductor injurya period that also saw him miss Ghanas 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.Valverde expressed hope that Williams recent performances will further boost his confidence.We hope the goal he scored and todays performance will encourage him, the coach added, underlining the importance of having a fully fit and firing Williams as Bilbao push for a top-four finish in La Liga and pursue Copa del Rey glory.With his blend of relentless running, tactical intelligence, and growing end product, Williams continues to be an indispensable figure in Valverdes systema player whose effort, in the managers own words, makes the entire team produce more.



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