“I have faced Barcelona, Real Madrid and so many dangerous defenders around the world but honestly that Man United’s defender showed me something I’ll never forget in my life…He’s the most dangerous defender I’ve faced so far”: Athletic Bilbao’s superstar Nico Williams names ONE Man United’s defender who showed him what he has never seen before

Athletic Bilbao’s rising superstar Nico Williams has made a surprising and powerful admission about the toughest defender he’s ever faced — and it’s not a name from Real Madrid, Barcelona, or the Bundesliga. Instead, the Spanish winger singled out a Manchester United defender who, according to him, gave him an experience he’ll never forget.

Speaking during an international press conference with Spain, Nico was asked about the most difficult opponents he’s come up against in his young but impressive career. His answer caught everyone off guard.

“I have faced Barcelona, Real Madrid, and so many dangerous defenders around the world,” Nico began. “But honestly, that Man United defender showed me something I’ll never forget in my life. He’s the most dangerous defender I’ve faced so far.”

While Nico initially left reporters guessing, moments later it was confirmed through follow-up questions and insider chatter that the player he was referring to is Lisandro Martínez — Manchester United’s fierce and uncompromising Argentine center-back.

Nico praised Martínez’s tenacity, aggressive style, and unmatched defensive intelligence.

“It wasn’t just about strength or tackles — it was his timing, his reading of the game, and how he made me feel like there was no space, no time, no chance. I’ve never faced a defender who got into my head like that,” Nico admitted.

Lisandro Martínez, nicknamed ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ during his Ajax days, has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most respected and feared defenders since joining United, with his aggressive but intelligent style earning admiration across Europe.

Manchester United fans have been quick to celebrate Nico’s comments on social media, hailing Martínez as the kind of warrior the club has lacked in their backline for years.

Erik ten Hag, when asked about Nico’s praise for his defender, smiled and replied:
“That’s what Licha does. He makes life impossible for attackers. He’s a fighter, a leader, and a key part of this team.”

As speculation continues to swirl about Nico Williams potentially moving to the Premier League this summer, one thing’s for sure — if he does, he already knows who to avoid in one-on-one situations at Old Trafford.