Winger Nico Williams says he is prepared to step into Spain\u2019s starting XI alongside Lamine Yamal for their decisive Group H encounter against Uruguay.<\/p>\n
Spain currently sit top of the group as they head into the contest in Guadalajara, Mexico, having secured a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their previous match. Yamal, who has returned from injury, played a prominent role in that victory, giving Spain a strong platform. Even so, the team still requires a result to seal qualification in first place, a position that would also help them steer clear of a potentially difficult meeting with Argentina in the round of 32.<\/p>\n
Against Saudi Arabia, Yamal received 45 minutes, while Williams was limited to a brief appearance lasting around half an hour.<\/p>\n
Speaking to reporters ahead of Spain training in Guadalajara on Thursday, Williams said he feels ready on a physical level but is still working toward the sharpness needed at full intensity. \u201cPhysically I feel good,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I still need to find competitive rhythm, that spark that defines me. That will come, with the extra training I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams, who played a key role in Spain\u2019s run to success at Euro 2024, added that whether he starts against Uruguay is a decision for coach Luis de la Fuente.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll keep working as I have been,\u201d Williams said. \u201cIf the boss gives me a chance, that will be welcome, if not, I\u2019ll keep working hard and supporting my teammates \u2026 No, [there\u2019d be no problem starting].\u201d<\/p>\n
He also commented on the wider attacking qualities of elite forwards, suggesting that the competition for goals is intense while expressing hope Spain can be ruthless in front of goal and get the best out of Yamal. \u201cMessi doesn\u2019t surprise me,\u201d Williams said. \u201cMessi is Messi. He does the things he does, he\u2019s incredible. And as well there\u2019s Vin\u00edcius [Junior], [Erling] Haaland, [Kylian] Mbapp\u00e9, competing for the Golden Boot \u2026 I hope we can be clinical in front of goal, and see the best of Lamine, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the win over Saudi Arabia, Pedro Porro was introduced at right-back and formed an effective connection with Yamal as Spain pressed forward. Porro described the experience of playing with the young winger as a major advantage. \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to play with him,\u201d Porro said. \u201cThere 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\u2019s all. I\u2019ve played a lot of games with him already, and over time we understand each other better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Y\u00e9remy Pino, meanwhile, praised de la Fuente for the way he has handled and managed the group as the tournament has progressed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been so impressive with me,\u201d Pino said. \u201cIn the way he treated me, when I came back from a long-term injury. He supported me. For me and the group he\u2019s essential, he helps this team grow and believe in itself.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Winger Nico Williams says he is prepared to step into Spain\u2019s starting XI alongside Lamine Yamal for their decisive Group H encounter against Uruguay. Spain currently sit top of the group as they head into the contest in Guadalajara, Mexico, having secured a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia in their previous match. Yamal, who has […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Nico Williams Spain vs Uruguay: Yamal Starts, Group H","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nico Williams targets a starring role as Spain face Uruguay in Group H, with Lamine Yamal ready to ignite the attack in Guadalajar","mma_seo_breadcrumb_text":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_url":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_hide_ui":"","mma_seo_breadcrumb_labels":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"\n