Athletic Club Forwards 2024/25: The Offensive Threats

Athletic Club forwards setup has always been a defining feature of their style of play. Known for their high intensity, work ethic, and commitment to creating chances, the forwards at Athletic are essential to the team’s success. In the 2024/25 season, the attacking unit promises to be a thrilling combination of skill, power, and youthful energy. From seasoned strikers to emerging stars, let’s take a closer look at the forwards who are leading the charge for Athletic this season.

1. Iñaki Williams (Main Striker)

  • Nationality: Spanish (Ghanaian descent)
  • Age: 29 (Born: June 15, 1994)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: Athletic Club (Youth Academy)

Iñaki Williams is the heartbeat of Athletic Club forwards lineup. Having been at the club since his youth days, Williams is the epitome of the current squad’s philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent. Known for his blistering pace, physicality, and ability to stretch defenses, Williams is a constant threat in behind opposing backlines.

Despite often being deployed as the central striker, his versatility allows him to operate effectively on either flank, and he is often seen making runs into the channels. Williams is also incredibly durable, having broken the record for the most consecutive La Liga appearances, which speaks to his reliability and consistency. His ability to score goals from almost any situation, be it a counter-attack or a clinical finish, makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in La Liga.

Iñaki’s raw speed and work rate are complemented by his growing football intelligence, allowing him to improve his finishing and link-up play. In the 2024/25 season, Williams will be crucial to Athletic’s ambitions as they look to challenge for European spots.

2. Asier Villalibre

  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Age: 26 (Born: February 11, 1999)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: Athletic Club (Youth Academy), Real Valladolid (Loan)

Asier Villalibre has the potential to make a real impact in the upcoming season. A traditional center-forward with a strong physical presence, Villalibre is a natural target man capable of holding the ball up, winning aerial duels, and linking play with his teammates. Although he has had loan spells away from the club, including a stint at Real Valladolid, Villalibre has returned to the first team with a greater sense of maturity and determination.

While not as fast as Iñaki Williams, Villalibre is a powerful striker who thrives in situations where he can use his strength to battle defenders. He has a knack for scoring goals, particularly from crosses into the box, and his aerial ability makes him a threat on set-pieces and a crucial part of the Athletic Club forwards roster.

The 2024/25 season could be a breakthrough year for Villalibre as he looks to establish himself as a regular starter and make a name for himself as a reliable striker.

3. Nico Williams

  • Nationality: Spanish (Ghanaian descent)
  • Age: 22 (Born: July 15, 2002)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: Athletic Club (Youth Academy)

Nico Williams, the younger brother of Iñaki, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his early career. Known for his electrifying pace, dribbling skills, and flair, Nico is one of the most exciting young talents in Spain. A versatile forward, Nico can play as a winger or as a second striker, often creating danger with his ability to cut inside and take on defenders.

His directness and speed make him a perfect player to exploit counter-attacking opportunities, and he has quickly established himself as one of Athletic Club forwards most promising offensive players. Nico’s dribbling ability allows him to take on multiple defenders and create chances for himself or his teammates.

Though he’s still developing his consistency, Nico Williams has all the potential to be a star in the 2024/25 season. His performances in both domestic and international competitions have attracted significant attention, and his development this season will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike.

4. Raúl García

  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Age: 38 (Born: July 11, 1987)
  • Transfer Fee: €8 million (2015)
  • Former Clubs: Atlético Madrid, Osasuna

Raúl García is the experienced elder statesman in Athletic Club forwards line. A powerful and versatile attacker, García is known for his leadership qualities and ability to be in the right place at the right time. Having enjoyed successful spells at both Atlético Madrid and Osasuna, García brings a wealth of experience to the squad, with a reputation for scoring important goals in big moments.

While not as mobile as he once was, García’s technical ability, positioning, and aerial strength still make him a significant threat in the box. He is especially dangerous in set-piece situations, where his height and physicality come into play. Additionally, García’s ability to drop deeper into midfield and link play has made him a useful asset in more intricate team tactics.

As one of the club’s veterans, García’s presence on and off the field is invaluable. He continues to provide leadership to the younger forwards and is often called upon to contribute crucial goals, especially in moments of pressure.

5. Gorka Guruzeta

  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Age: 26 (Born: May 9, 1998)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: Athletic Club (Youth Academy), SD Amorebieta (Loan)

Gorka Guruzeta is a forward who has shown considerable promise over the past few seasons. A product of Athletic Club’s academy, Guruzeta is a player who combines technical quality with a physical presence, making him a versatile attacking option. His ability to play both as a center-forward and as a more withdrawn attacker allows him to adapt to various tactical setups.

Guruzeta has spent time on loan at clubs like SD Amorebieta, gaining valuable experience, and he is now hoping to break into the first team on a more regular basis. While not yet a guaranteed starter, Guruzeta’s work ethic and adaptability make him a key squad player, capable of making an impact from the bench or in a starting role. The 2024/25 season could be a crucial one for Guruzeta as he aims to prove his worth and secure more game time. With his blend of technical ability and physical attributes, he could become a key contributor to Athletic’s forward line.

6. Jon Morcillo

  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Age: 27 (Born: June 24, 1997)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Academy Graduate)
  • Former Clubs: Athletic Club (Youth Academy), UD Ibiza (Loan)

Jon Morcillo has established himself as a useful option for Athletic Club forwards crew in recent seasons, providing depth and versatility to the forward line. A winger by trade, Morcillo is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to play on either wing makes him a valuable asset in attack, as he can stretch opposition defenses and deliver dangerous crosses into the box.

Morcillo’s ability to score goals has improved in recent seasons, and he will be looking to take his game to the next level in 2024/25. With his direct style of play and determination, Morcillo is always a handful for defenders and is capable of making an impact off the bench or as a starter.

7. Ander Capa

  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Age: 31 (Born: February 1, 1993)
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (2019)
  • Former Clubs: Eibar

Ander Capa is a winger with excellent work rate and defensive awareness. While he’s not the most glamorous forward, Capa’s role in the team is vital due to his high energy, pressing ability, and willingness to track back. He’s often deployed as a right wing-back or winger, providing width and supporting both attack and defense. Capa’s crossing ability is also a major asset, as he can deliver quality balls into the box.

Although not a prolific scorer, Capa’s role is more about providing balance and depth to the forward line. His tactical discipline allows Athletic to maintain defensive solidity while still having an offensive presence on the right flank.

As we look ahead to the 2024/25 season, Athletic Club forwards line is brimming with potential. With the speed and technical flair of Iñaki and Nico Williams, combined with the physicality and experience of Raúl García and Asier Villalibre, Athletic has a forward unit capable of causing problems for any defense. The depth provided by players like Gorka Guruzeta, Jon Morcillo, and Ander Capa ensures that coach Ernesto Valverde has plenty of options at his disposal.

Athletic Club’s attacking philosophy remains unchanged—high-intensity pressing, quick counter-attacks, and a commitment to teamwork. With such a talented group of forwards, the 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting one for the club’s attacking prospects. The blend of youth, energy, and experience ensures that Athletic will continue to be a formidable force in Spanish football. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the forward line to see who steps up as the club’s main goal-scoring threat, and how they continue to evolve within Valverde’s tactical framework.