“I have played against Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior but what that guy did yesterday is still looking unreal to me”: Athletic Bilbao’s superstar Nico Williams names ONE Arsenal’s attacker who was unreal during the match yesterday – Not Trossard and not Martinelli

Football is full of big statements, but when they come from a player as talented and respected as Nico Williams, people listen. The Athletic Bilbao winger has faced some of the biggest names in world football, from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to Paris Saint-Germain’s superstar Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid’s electrifying Vinícius Júnior. Yet, according to Williams, what he witnessed against Arsenal “still looks unreal” even when compared to those world-class talents.

The Arsenal player in question was none other than Bukayo Saka, the 22-year-old winger who continues to elevate his game to astonishing new levels. While many might have expected Williams to single out Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard, the Spaniard was clear: Saka’s display stood out as something extraordinary, a performance that he found unforgettable.

Williams, who has quickly built a reputation for his own dazzling wing play, admitted he was left stunned by Saka’s intelligence, maturity, and decisive contributions. “I’ve faced Yamal, Mbappé, and Vinícius,” he said, “but what Saka did yesterday is still looking unreal to me.” His words underline the growing respect Saka is commanding, not just in England, but across Europe.

Saka’s performance against Athletic Bilbao was one of those matches where everything seemed to click. His balance between direct attacking runs, clever positioning, and unselfish playmaking gave Arsenal a constant threat. Every time he touched the ball, it carried the feeling that something dangerous was about to happen.

For Nico Williams, what stood out wasn’t just the technical skill but also the consistency and maturity Saka brings to the pitch. At just 22, he has already established himself as the heartbeat of Arsenal’s attack, often stepping up when the stakes are highest. That kind of reliability, Williams suggested, is what separates Saka from many other young stars still finding their way.

The comparison with Yamal is especially striking. While the Barcelona teenager has wowed La Liga with flashes of brilliance, he is still developing his rhythm in senior football. Mbappé and Vinícius, meanwhile, are established global superstars. To have Saka mentioned in the same breath—and even praised above them in a specific performance—speaks volumes about his impact.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long argued that Saka is among the best wingers in the world, and nights like these seem to prove him right. His ability to combine creativity with end product has made him indispensable. Whether scoring goals, creating assists, or pressing defensively, Saka embodies the complete modern winger.

Nico Williams’ praise also reflects a broader reality in football: young players are no longer intimidated by reputation. He himself is only 23, yet he already knows what it feels like to test himself against the very best. To openly declare admiration for Saka highlights how much respect the Arsenal star commands among his peers.

From a wider perspective, this endorsement also adds fuel to ongoing debates about who is the best young attacker in world football. Many have touted Yamal as the “next Messi,” while Mbappé has long been tipped as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s throne. But with Saka consistently delivering in the Premier League and Champions League, his claim to that discussion cannot be ignored.

Arsenal fans will take pride in Williams’ comments, seeing them as validation of their star’s brilliance on the European stage. For Saka himself, it is another reminder that his talent is being recognized across borders and leagues, not just within the English media bubble.

In conclusion, Nico Williams’ statement is more than just a compliment—it is a recognition that Bukayo Saka has already entered the conversation with the world’s elite attackers. While Yamal, Mbappé, and Vinícius continue to shine, it was Saka’s unforgettable performance that left Williams shaking his head in disbelief. And if the Spaniard is right, what the world saw yesterday from Arsenal’s No. 7 might just be a glimpse of an even greater future.