Winger Nico Williams said he’s ready to join teammate Lamine Yamal in Spain‘s starting 11 in their crucial Group H game with Uruguay on Friday.
Spain top the group ahead of the match in Guadalajara, Mexico — after beating Saudi Arabia 4-0 in their last game, with back-from-injury Yamal playing a starring role — but still need a result to confirm their qualification in first place, and avoid a potential clash with Argentina in the round of 32.
Yamal played 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia in Atlanta, while Williams was limited to a half-hour cameo.
“Physically I feel good,” Williams told journalists ahead of Spain training in Guadalajara on Thursday. “But I still need to find competitive rhythm, that spark that defines me. That will come, with the extra training I’m doing.”
Read more:Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams left out for Spain’s last World Cup warmup
Williams, who was key to Spain’s success at Euro 2024, said whether he comes into the starting line-up or not will be decided by coach Luis de la Fuente.
“I’ll keep working as I have been,” he said. “If the boss gives me a chance, that will be welcome, if not, I’ll keep working hard and supporting my teammates … No, [there’d be no problem starting].”
Williams praised the tournament performances of stars like Lionel Messi so far.
Read more:Spain won’t panic despite Cape Verde draw, de la Fuente says
“[Messi] doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “Messi is Messi. He does the things he does, he’s incredible. And as well there’s Vinícius [Junior], [Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbappé, competing for the Golden Boot … I hope we can be clinical in front of goal, and see the best of Lamine, too.”
In Spain’s game with Saudi Arabia, Pedro Porro came into the side at right-back and linked up well with Yamal. “It’s a privilege to play with him,” Porro said. “There are various aspects of the game which you have to bear in mind when you have a player like Lamine in front of you, but that’s all. I’ve played a lot of games with him already, and over time we understand each other better.”
Winger Yéremy Pino praised de la Fuente’s role in managing the squad.
Read more:Spain’s Lamine Yamal ‘ready’ but ‘not the moment to play a full game’
“He’s been so impressive with me,” Pino said.
“In the way he treated me, when I came back from a long-term injury. He supported me. For me and the group he’s essential, he helps this team grow and believe in itself.”
