Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams recently shared his thoughts on a challenging encounter with Real Madrid, despite his team emerging victorious. Reflecting on the match, Williams acknowledged the strength of one particular Madrid player who made a lasting impression on him.
“We beat them, but I’ve never played against such a player in my whole career,” Williams said. “The player I’m talking about is **Ferland Mendy**.”
Williams explained that the French left-back’s defensive abilities and pace made him a nightmare to deal with on the pitch. “He’s incredibly fast, and it’s not easy to get past him. Every time I tried to make a run, he was right there, blocking my options and pushing me wide. His defensive positioning was so strong, and on top of that, he was constantly a threat when Madrid counterattacked.”
Despite the challenges Mendy posed, Williams and his teammates were able to find a way through and secure the win. However, his respect for the Madrid full-back was clear, highlighting how difficult it is to face such a well-rounded, relentless player in a high-stakes game.
Williams’ comments underscore just how much talent exists in the top tiers of European football, and how even in victory, players like Mendy can leave a lasting impact on their opponents.
