Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has named Wilfried Zaha as one of his biggest inspirations, revealing that the Ivorian international played a key role in shaping his style of play and even his appearance.
In an interview with France Football, the Spanish international discussed the players he has looked up to throughout his career, citing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
However, he also highlighted Zaha as a figure he particularly admired during the Ivorian’s time at Crystal Palace.
Emulating Zaha’s style and appearance
Williams, known for his speed and technical ability, spoke about how he attempted to model his game after Zaha’s dynamic dribbling and attacking prowess.
He admitted that beyond footballing skills, he even styled his hair in a similar fashion to resemble the Ivorian forward.
“Wilfried Zaha, I haven’t mentioned him yet, but I loved watching him when he played for Crystal Palace,” Williams said. “He was a player I admired a lot. I even did my hair like his—those locks—to look like him.”
This gesture underscores Williams’ deep admiration for Zaha, not just as a player but as a figure of inspiration.
Learning from the best
Williams, who has established himself as a key player for Athletic Bilbao and Spain, continues to refine his game by studying some of the world’s top attackers.
While Ronaldo and Messi remain global icons, Zaha’s skillful approach and ability to take on defenders have left a lasting impression on the young Spaniard.
His dribbling, explosiveness, and confidence on the ball are all attributes reminiscent of Zaha at his peak in the Premier League.
By incorporating elements from multiple influences, Williams has developed into one of La Liga’s most exciting wingers, blending flair, agility, and direct attacking play.
Following in the footsteps of his idols
As Williams continues to grow in stature, his admiration for players like Zaha highlights how footballers shape the next generation.
With a promising career ahead, the young winger is already making a name for himself on the international stage.
By drawing inspiration from a diverse group of footballing idols, Williams is on a path to becoming one of the sport’s elite talents.
Whether it’s his dribbling, pace, or attacking instincts, his admiration for Zaha is evident in the way he plays—a testament to the influence of great players across generations.
