Wayne Rooney has likened ‘outstanding’ Nico Williams, a target for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Barcelona, to the greatest player of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Williams appears to be among the most sought-after players in Europe this summer, with La Liga powerhouses Barca and Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League competing for his signing.
One of Spain’s most crucial players at Euro 2024, the 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao star has helped Luis de la Fuente’s team advance to Sunday’s final against England.
Rooney, who likened Williams to a teenage Ronaldo, feels the Three Lions will have to exercise “extreme caution” around Williams.
Rooney and Ronaldo were team-mates at Manchester United before the latter joined Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of the best players in history.
‘England will need to defend well on the flanks against Spain, because their brilliant two young wingers provide their main threat,’ he told The Times.
‘Lamine Yamal will be full of confidence after his brilliant goal against France and he reminds me a bit of how I was at Euro 2004 – a teenager having the time of his life.
‘Fear? Young lads like him, Nico Williams and Mainoo haven’t lived long enough to know it or understand what it is.
‘On the big stage of a European Championship they’re just playing and enjoying it and having fun, and normally that’s the best way to play the game.
‘Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo when Cristiano was young.
‘He’s a big lad, he’ll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decisions.
‘He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well. England need to be really careful with him.’
Williams is reportedly closer to joining Barcelona than Chelsea or Arsenal, and Nou Camp icon Andres Iniesta is hoping to see his countryman return to his old team.
Before the Euro 2024 final, Williams was asked if Barca was interested in him.
He responded to Mundo Deportivo by saying, “The level he’s showing is in line with the national team.”
“Nico also had an incredible season at his club; the big teams will definitely be aware of his name.” “We’ll see what happens, but his signing for Barcelona would give the club another level.”