Christian Eriksen knows exactly how Athletic Bilbao will attempt to hurt Man United in their Europa League clash.
Christian Eriksen knows Athletic Bilbao have plenty of quality.(Image: Manchester United Football Club.)
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has identified Inaki and Nico Williams as Athletic Bilbao’s main threats ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final first leg at the San Mames Stadium.
United will travel to the Basque Country with the ambition of securing a first leg advantage in their quest to reach next month’s final. The Reds produced a stunning comeback against Lyon earlier this month to progress to the last four and keep their European dream alive.
Bilbao, in the eyes of many, will provide the biggest test United have faced in Europe so far this season, with the Spanish club claiming second in the Europa League league phase, finishing as runners-up to Lazio on goal difference.
They have been a tough nut to crack in La Liga this season, too, boasting the best defensive record in the division, conceding just 26 goals. And in the opinion of Eriksen, they possess traditional characteristics of a Spanish side.
“As a team, they are like a Spanish team; they like having the ball,” Eriksen told club media. “They have two very, very quick wingers, good midfielders and a good all-round team.
“They are a Spanish team that likes to have possession and go for the counter at the same time with the speed they have.”
Bilbao’s speed on the counter-attack is often provided by the Williams brothers, with Inaki operating from the right and Nico stationed on the left. They have scored five Europa League goals apiece this season, with the latter scoring three times in his last three games in the competition.
Eriksen added: “They have the wingers, who are the Williams brothers, who are doing really well.
“But I am sure they have a lot of players, who, when we go into the game, are getting closer to the game, we will get a bit of knowledge about who else they have.”
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