Chris Hughton defends Inaki Williams – “It’s not always about goals”

 

In the world of sports, especially in soccer, the primary focus is often on winning and achieving goals. However, Chris Hughton, former football player and manager, recently defended Inaki Williams, a Spanish professional footballer, stating that it's not always about goals.

Inaki Williams is a forward player for Athletic Bilbao in Spain's top football league, La Liga. Although he is known for his speed and agility on the field, Williams has been criticized in recent times for not scoring enough goals. He has been playing for the club since 2014 and has only scored 53 goals in over 300 appearances. However, Chris Hughton believes that Williams' contributions go beyond just scoring goals.

Hughton, who has managed several English Premier League clubs, including Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion, understands the importance of goals in football but also recognizes that there are other aspects of the game that are equally important. In an interview with The Athletic, Hughton said, "As a coach, you want to see a player scoring goals, but there are many other things that contribute to the success of a team."

Hughton's statement highlights the fact that football is not just about individual performances but also about teamwork, strategy, and work rate. A player's contribution to the team can be measured by the number of assists, tackles, or even defensive clearances they make. For instance, in Williams' case, he is known for his speed and ability to create chances for his teammates. He has been a key player for Athletic Bilbao in recent years, helping the team reach the final of the Copa del Rey in 2020 and 2021.

Furthermore, Hughton's defense of Williams also sheds light on the pressure that players face to score goals. Fans, coaches, and even players themselves can be obsessed with goal-scoring statistics, often at the expense of other aspects of the game. This pressure can be detrimental to a player's confidence and performance, and it is essential to recognize that football is a team sport where every player's contribution is crucial.

In conclusion, Chris Hughton's defense of Inaki Williams highlights the fact that football is not just about scoring goals but also about teamwork, strategy, and work rate. Although goals are an essential part of the game, players should not be judged solely on their goal-scoring statistics. It is essential to recognize the contributions of all players, regardless of their position on the field, and to appreciate the role they play in the success of the team