The Barcelona star who will be tasked with neutralising transfer target Nico Williams | OneFootball

An insight into the plans of the coaching staff at Barcelona to keep the impact of Nico Williams to a minimum in their upcoming La Liga meeting with Athletic Club has on Thursday been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards Barca as preparing to lean heavily on one player – Jules Koundé.

Koundé, for his part, has recent experience of facing off with Nico, and conjuring up a rather impressive performance in the process.

Just weeks ago, the 25-year-old locked horns with the player whom his club have been chasing the signature of throughout the summer, at Euro 2024.

And though it was Spain who ultimately emerged triumphant against Spain, Koundé dominated his individual battle.

Hansi Flick and co. will be more than aware of just how capable Nico is of changing a fixture in an instant heading into Saturday’s showdown, and will therefore opt for Koundé at right-back once more, in an effort to keep the Spanish wide-man quiet.

His success in doing so is likely to play a major role in the eventual outcome at Montjuïc in two days’ time…

Conor Laird | GSFN