Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has hailed Ghanaian forward Iñaki Williams as a "key player" for his team, emphasizing the fear he instills in LaLiga opponents with his scoring prowess.

The 30-year-old striker recently returned to full training after a brief injury setback, much to the relief of Valverde, who noted the void his absence had created. Speaking ahead of their upcoming clash with Real Sociedad, the former Barcelona coach praised Williams for his ability to deliver in critical moments on the pitch.

“We know that our rivals fear him,” Valverde told Mundo Deportivo. “That’s an important asset for us. He’s all heart and brings us so much. At any moment, he can turn a dangerous situation into an opportunity for us.”

Addressing Williams' injury, Valverde added, “It’s like any team losing a key player. Iñaki is crucial for us, and having him back is a big boost.”

This season, Williams has contributed three goals and four assists in 13 LaLiga appearances, underlining his importance to Athletic Club's campaign. Since switching his national allegiance to Ghana in 2022, the striker has earned 17 caps for the Black Stars, scoring once for the West African side.