With just one week to go before the start of the new season, Athletic Bilbao find themselves in worrying form. On Saturday, the Basque side suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, a result that leaves many fans questioning whether the team is ready for the challenges ahead. Even more concerning is the fact that Athletic have failed to register a single win throughout their pre-season campaign.
The match against Arsenal was expected to be a final test of strength before competitive football returned. However, instead of inspiring confidence, it exposed deep cracks in the teamโs preparation. The Gunners, sharp and aggressive, dominated from start to finish, while Athletic looked a step behind in every department.
Nico Williams, one of Bilbaoโs brightest stars and a player many hoped would set the tone for the new season, endured a particularly difficult afternoon. The Spanish international played for 63 minutes but was unable to influence the game in any meaningful way. His statistics from the match paint a clear picture of his struggles.
No goals. No assists. Not a single shot on target. Not even a shot off target. Williams failed to deliver a key pass, did not complete a single long ball, and registered zero successful crosses. For a player often relied upon for creativity and attacking spark, it was a performance far from his usual standard.
Even in his dribbling, an area where he normally excels, Williams was subdued. He attempted two dribbles but failed to successfully beat his man on either occasion. In the air, he lost his only aerial duel, and across the match, he surrendered possession nine timesโan unusually high number for someone of his technical quality.
It would be unfair to single out Williams as the sole reason for Bilbaoโs poor display. The entire team looked lethargic and lacked cohesion. The pressing was half-hearted, the defensive shape was loose, and the midfield failed to provide the kind of service and link-up play that could have brought Williams or the other forwards into dangerous positions.
Still, given his status as one of the teamโs leading figures, Williams will know that he is expected to deliver moreโespecially in games against top-tier opponents. His ability to create moments of magic and stretch defenses with his pace is one of Athleticโs greatest weapons, but against Arsenal, that weapon was blunted.
For manager Ernesto Valverde, the loss raises urgent questions. Pre-season is meant to be a period for experimentation and tactical refinement, but with zero wins under their belt, Athleticโs preparations have instead become a cause for concern. Confidence is fragile, and unless the team finds solutions quickly, they risk carrying this negative momentum into the start of the La Liga season.
Supporters, too, are feeling anxious. A week may seem like enough time to regroup, but the clock is ticking. Valverde will need to address not only the tactical shortcomings but also the mental side of his squadโs performances. The players must rediscover their belief and intensity if they hope to start the season strongly.
For Nico Williams, this is a moment for reflection rather than panic. Even world-class players have off days, and one poor performance does not define a season. However, with the eyes of fans, media, and potential suitors on him, the young winger will be eager to bounce back quickly and remind everyone why he is considered one of Spainโs most exciting talents.
As the new campaign looms, Athletic Bilbao stand at a crossroads. Saturdayโs loss to Arsenal was more than just a friendly defeatโit was a warning sign. Whether they heed that warning and turn things around will be revealed soon enough when the real bat
