Dec 6, 2022; Ar Rayyan, QATAR; Spain forward Nico Williams (12) controls the ball against Morocco defender Yahia Attiyat Allah (25) during the second half in the round of sixteen match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Education City Stadium.

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Is Nico Williams Playing Tonight? All about Nico Williams’ Availability for Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg 1 of 2

Can Spain overcome the Dutch challenge to progress in their title defense?

In the midst of a tantalising league season, stars from around the world have returned to their national setups for the international break. On Thursday, reigning European champions Spain return for a blockbuster UEFA Nations League quarterfinal encounter against the Netherlands. This will be the first of two intense legs, with Spain playing the return fixture at home.

La Roja are currently on a 21-match unbeaten streak in official games, having previously lost an official international fixture only in March 2023. Luis de la Fuente’s men have picked up two trophies in that span – and they are currently being heralded as the best Spanish side in years. With a dominant midfield and a swashbuckling brigade of young attackers, there’s evidently no stopping them.

On the other hand, Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands team is no walkover of an opposition. The fast paced football that they like to play can threaten any given side on a good day. With a seven match unbeaten run at home, the orange army will back themselves to cause an upset. After all, they have won three of the last six meetings vs Spain.

Will Nico Williams Play Tonight?

Yes, Nico Williams will most likely feature in Spain’s starting lineup against the Netherlands. In a high stakes clash and with a spot in the semifinal of the UEFA Nations League on the line, de la Fuente will trust his 22-year-old star boy to dominate the left wing. Williams has three goals in his last three appearances for Athletic Bilbao.

Williams, one of the headliners for the Basque city, has nine goals and seven assists for his club this season. He also managed two goals and an assist in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign. One of the players to watch out for in the summer transfer window, Nico will play a vital role in La Roja’s Nations League title defence.

Nico Williams Record vs Netherlands

Nico Williams will be making his first official appearance against Oranje, if selected by manager Luis de la Fuente.

Netherlands vs Spain UEFA Nations League QF Game Details

Date: 20 March 2025

Time: 7:45PM GMT

Venue: Feyenoord Stadium – De Kuip, Rotterdam

Spain Team News: Veteran defensive midfielder Rodri is out of the squad (ACL). Barcelona duo of Marc Casado and Inigo Martinez miss out due to last minute injuries. Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio receive their first international call-ups.

Netherlands Team News: Defenders Nathan Ake, Micky Van de Ven and Stefan de Vrij are still either injured or in the process of recovery. Frenkie de Jong reportedly resumed training after missing Barcelona’s clash vs Atletico Madrid due to a stomach issue. Memphis Depay returns to the squad.

Netherlands vs Spain Betting Odds

Spain Win 7/5

Draw 41/17

Netherlands Win 11/5

Netherlands vs Spain

Nico Williams

UEFA Nations League

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.