Wayne Rooney has compared ‘exceptional’ Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona target Nico Williams to all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo.
Williams looks set to be one of the most coveted players in Europe this summer, with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal and La Liga giants Barca all battling to secure his signature.
The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Athletic Bilbao, has been one of Spain’s most important players at Euro 2024, helping Luis de la Fuente’s side storm into Sunday’s final against England.
Rooney says the Three Lions will need to be ‘really careful’ with Williams, who he has compared to a young Ronaldo.
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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.’
Barcelona are believed to be ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in the race to sign Williams and Nou Camp legend Andres Iniesta hopes his compatriot joins his former club.
Asked about Barca’s interest in Williams ahead of the Euro 2024 final, he told Mundo Deportivo: ‘The level he’s showing is in line with the national team.
‘Nico also had a fantastic season at his club, he’s a name that will surely be heard by the big teams.
‘His signing for Barcelona would give the club another level, but we’ll see what happens.’
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