“His Performance Made Me Understand the Praise” — Nico Williams Hails Federico Valverde After Facing Real Madrid
After a hard-fought clash between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams didn’t shy away from expressing his admiration for one of Los Blancos’ standout stars. Speaking during the post-match press conference, the Athletic winger singled out Federico Valverde as the most impressive player on the pitch.
“His performance made me understand why people praise him always,” said Nico. “He’s a pillar holding this Madrid team.”
The 21-year-old, known for his explosive pace and flair, found himself repeatedly thwarted by Valverde’s tireless work rate and tactical discipline. Facing the Uruguayan midfield dynamo firsthand left a lasting impression.
“You see him on TV and think, ‘Yeah, he’s good.’ But when you face him directly, it hits you—he’s everywhere. Defending, creating, attacking… he’s not just a midfielder, he’s a machine.”
Valverde’s influence was felt across the pitch. His ability to transition from defense to attack with ease, intercept play, and cover vast ground played a key role in nullifying Bilbao’s threat and securing a result for Madrid.
“Madrid have stars all over the pitch,” Nico added, “but the real engine is in the middle. Valverde is the kind of player every coach dreams of.”
As Real Madrid continue their pursuit of another La Liga crown, Valverde’s performances are drawing praise from even the fiercest competitors. For Nico Williams, the night wasn’t just about the result—it was about realizing just how elite Valverde truly is.
