Ghana coach Otto Addo has shared insights on optimising Athletic Club striker Inaki Williams’s performance as the forward seeks to meet expectations in the Ghana national team.
Williams, who switched allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022, has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage.
He has scored only once in 17 appearances, including World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches.
Addressing concerns about Williams’ inconsistent performance, Addo emphasised better integration between the player and his teammates.
“There are more elements that need to come together. One key factor is how the players interact with him.
In Spain, he shows what he can do, and it’s not just about him adapting to the team but also the team adapting to him,” Addo explained during the post-match press conference following Ghana’s clash with Angola in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Williams’ sole goal for the Black Stars came in November 2023, when he converted a precise cross from Gideon Mensah in the dying moments of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Madagascar in Kumasi.
Addo highlighted Williams’ strengths, noting the importance of utilising his ability to make runs behind defensive lines. “We know his strengths are running deep and threatening the last line of defence.
We need to use his qualities more effectively. It’s a two-way process.
He can make his game more adaptable, but we must also focus on putting him in positions where he can excel.
This involves recognising situations when the midfield has the ball and knowing where he is making his runs,” Addo added.
Williams is set to rejoin the Black Stars squad for the first time under Addo after missing previous fixtures due to fitness issues.
“I cannot comment on the last two years as I wasn’t there, so it’s challenging to pinpoint the reasons.
This is the first time he’s back, and we will need to address and work on it,” Addo said.
The Black Stars are scheduled to host Angola on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Baba Yara Stadium, with kickoff at 16:00 GMT.
