Athletic Club's summer has left very worrying feelings in Bilbao. Ernesto Valverde's team has completed a preseason to forget. Its record of results invites reflection even before LaLiga begins.
The red-and-white fans expected the team to show competitive strength after a solid previous campaign, but the reality has been very different.
The club has achieved only one victory in seven matches, and it was in the first one, against SD Ponferradina (1-0). Since that day, they haven't won again. Six consecutive defeats against opponents of different levels, leaving the goal wide open.
A disaster in preseason
The bad streak began with a 1-0 loss against Deportivo Alavés. It continued with a 2-1 against PSV Eindhoven and another 2-1 against Racing de Santander.
After that came the heavy blows against Liverpool, which won twice: 4-1 and 3-2. To close the preparation, Arsenal dominated with a resounding 3-0.
In total, Athletic has conceded 16 goals in just seven matches, and has shown an alarming defensive fragility.
But the problem doesn't stop there. The team has had many difficulties creating real danger. Its offensive stars haven't been up to the task.
Nico Williams, without answers
In this context, Nico Williams has been one of the main targets. Recently renewed with a multimillion contract that reaches €20 million ($20 million) per year, he was supposed to be Athletic's offensive reference. However, his preseason has been very poor in both numbers and impressions.
In the seven matches, Nico hasn't scored a single goal and has barely provided one assist. His influence on the game has been minimal, with little ability to break through and an alarming lack of confidence. He seems blocked and far from his best version.
Barça got it right with Rashford
This situation contrasts with FC Barcelona's decision this summer. Although Laporta and Flick considered Nico as a possible signing, the Catalan club ultimately opted for Marcus Rashford.
The Englishman is a player with more goals, international experience, and a profile better suited to what the German coach was looking for.
In view of Athletic's preseason, everything indicates that Barça avoided a problem. Nico faces a very complicated year at San Mamés, with the pressure of justifying a €20 million ($20 million) salary and with fans who won't tolerate another lackluster season.
Meanwhile, Rashford is preparing to debut at Camp Nou with the expectation of being an immediate game-changer. So far, everything he's shown has been positive.