Raul Garcia, a former Athletic Bilbao legend, has thrown his support behind Iñaki Williams, expressing confidence in the forward’s potential to excel with the Ghana national team.

Williams, who pledged his international allegiance to the Black Stars in 2022, has yet to fully hit his stride on the international stage. The 30-year-old, born and raised in Spain’s Basque region, made his Ghana debut in a friendly against Brazil in September 2022. Despite his club heroics, Williams has struggled to find his rhythm with Ghana, scoring just once in 21 appearances for the four-time African champions.

At Athletic Bilbao, however, Williams remains a cornerstone of success. He was instrumental in ending the club’s 40-year Copa del Rey drought and securing two Spanish Super Cups. This season, his impressive tally of four goals and five assists in 18 La Liga matches has helped Bilbao climb to a comfortable fourth place in the league standings.

Raul Garcia highlighted the challenges Williams faces in adapting to a new team and environment, saying, “Obviously, the circumstances of having brand new colleagues and not really being adapted to the team doesn’t make the situation any easier. Here in Bilbao, we’ve all known each other for many years, so it makes it easier.”

Despite the slow start, Garcia remains optimistic: “I’m sure Inaki will achieve wonderful results. He knows what he needs to do and is determined to succeed. I have no doubt he will soon find his form with the Black Stars.”

As Williams continues to thrive in Spain, Ghana fans will be hoping his club success translates into consistent brilliance on the international stage.