Nico Williams explains how he takes inspiration from 'role models' Kylian Mbappe & Ousmane Dembele as he stars for Athletic Club & Spain

Williams shone for Spain as La Roja won Euro 2024, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament. But the 22-year-old knows he's not the finished article just yet and is trying to learn from his idols, French duo Mbappe and Dembele. Mbappe can also be considered something of a rival now after moving to Real Madrid in the summer.

Williams' performances in Germany only heightened the attention surrounding him, and he's carried that form into the 2024-25 season. The winger was excellent as Athletic Club beat AZ Alkmaar 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday, setting up his brother Inaki to open the scoring.

"[Mbappe and Dembele] are great players and role models for me," Williams told AS. "They are unique, they have incredible dribbling skills, I often take their game to mine, I try to copy the plays they make. It is very good for me to learn from the best."

One of the lasting sights from this summer's European Championship is that of Williams causing havoc alongside Barcelona star Lamine Yamal. The pair will light it up together on the international stage for years to come, and Williams opened up on their 'brotherly' relationship.

"We get along very well, we are like a cat and a dog, like little brothers, I wish him all the best," he added. "I am happier in the national team if he is there."

Athletic Club will take on Girona on Sunday before the international break. "Every father wants to see his son," Williams joked about linking up with Yamal again for Spain's games against Denmark and Serbia.