Redefine Inaki Williams' role at Black Stars - Abukari Damba tells Chris Hughton

Published on: 30 November 2023

Former Ghana goalkeeper, Abukari Damba has urged the technical team of the senior national team to redefine Inaki Williams’ role at the national team.

The Athletic Bilbao scored his first goal for the national team against Madagascar in the 2026 World Cup at the Baba Yara Stadium after going 11 games without a win.

The 29-year-old despite failing to score in the second game against Comoros scored in Bilbao's away game against Girona in the La Liga on Monday night.

The goal means Inaki has so far scored six goals in 14 appearances with three assists.

However, Damba in an interview with Citi Sports, acknowledged the striker’s qualities and believes Williams isn’t utilized well enough at the national team.

"I do understand that the whole team is built around individual players," the Karela United goalkeeper's trainer said.

"Even with the individual players they need certain ingredients to be able to function, you know optimally in the game.

"Inaki Williams, we all see him scoring at his club level, how is he performing? Is he scoring? Why is he scoring, maybe he is receiving the right services at the right place, and at the right time, for which he is responsible to score.

"It is about the players that will complement the efforts of the individuals to be able to perform optimally.

"So I think that Inaki Williams undoubtedly is a fantastic player, everybody does not dispute that.

"But has he been given the wide services, does he have the wide complement of teammates to be able to deliver, Damba asked

"So I believe the coaches are looking at all these factors," he added.

Inaki Williams is expected to be named in Black Stars squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated to be hosted in Ivory Coast.

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