Liverpool would be wise to keep a close eye on the goings on at Euro 2024.
The tournament in Germany is perhaps hindering Liverpool’s movements in the transfer market so far.
However, if they watch closely enough, it can also help to inform who Arne Slot adds to his first-team squad over the summer break.
There are a handful of players to have been linked with Liverpool who have been turning out for their countries. Some, like Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori, for example, have heightened their reputations.
Another to have been incredibly impressive so far has been Nico Williams of Spain. Williams has been linked with Liverpool on the back of a standout showing against Calafiori and Italy.
Albania defender sends Nico Williams warning
Williams is certainly a player for Liverpool fans to watch over the remainder of Euro 2024. A fast, direct and skilful winger, he could be just what Slot is looking for.
And it seems as though the new Liverpool head coach does harbour some legitimate hopes of adding the 21-year-old to his team.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano on Saturday, Liverpool have ‘asked for information’ about Williams. The Reds are in the race and have already made a significant move.
As a result, supporters should be genning up on Williams in a bid to know exactly the kind of player they could be getting.
And the more they read, the more appealing the idea of Williams arriving at Anfield should be. The forward certainly instils fear in the opposition.
READ MORE: Daniel Sturridge raves about Nico Williams after watching him against Italy
Speaking to Marca, Albania defender Ivan Balliu has just demonstrated that. The 32-year-old admitted that the prospect of facing Williams is ‘scary.’
“Nico and Lamine Yamal are scary,” says Balliu, who plays for Ray Vallecano. “They are two shameless, two scoundrels. They do not stop facing, insisting. It may not come out once, twice, three times, but they have you on edge because you know they are not going to stop.
“My colleagues were hallucinating, they didn’t stop asking about them. Especially for Nico,” adds the right-back. “I knew Lamine Yamal better, but I told them: Watch out for that guy, he’s got a lot of level. It’s a great player. And if you have one like that in every band, then you can tell me.”
When is Nico Williams next in action?
The reason Balliu is commenting on facing Williams is of course because Spain and Albania meet in the final group game of Euro 2024.
For Spain, the match is somewhat meaningless. They are already through to the knockout round and unless there’s a four-goal swing between them and Italy, they’ll top the group.
In terms of Albania, the meeting is far more important. Having secured a point from their two games so far, they will stand a good chance of qualifying with a win. Anything else and they’ll surely be heading home.
There’s not long to wait before the two teams know their fates. Albania and Spain face each other in Dusseldorf on Monday evening at 8pm.
Another chance for Liverpool fans to watch Williams in the knowledge that he could be theirs later this summer.