Is Willian highly underrated?
Willian Borges Da Silva was first noticed on the European stage through his exploits with Shakhtar Donetsk, who had signed him from Corinthians. Initially, it was difficult for him to adjust to the cold climate of Ukraine. However, Willian believed that the experience was good for his growth and especially credits his former coach Mircea Lucescu for improving his defensive side of the game.
Willian came under Chelsea's radar after his impressive display against them in the Champions League in 2013 wherein the defending champions failed to qualify for the knockout stages.In 2013 however, Chelsea had the likes of Mata, Hazard and Oscar.Hence, when Chelsea stole Willian under the nose of Tottenham ,who were so close to signing him,for around £ 30 million from Anzhi Makhachkala it was considered more of luxury signing.
However, the signing was anything but luxury. Although he endured a slow start, Willian quickly became one of Mourinho's first names on the sheet. Possessing a tremendous outburst of pace and a willingness to track back to help the defense, he perfectly suited Mourinho's counter attacking methods. However, before the 2015-16 season, Willian was never able to display his attacking verve, for which he was known with his former clubs, with Chelsea. He was very much overshadowed by the exploits of Hazard,Costa and Fabregas.
On the International level as well, in spite of his impressive performances for Shakhtar he was never given much recognition. Willian was noticed much more when he moved to Chelsea, although he still never started that often for Brazil.
Willian was never a player with statistics on his side. He never really provided a lot of assists or scored a lot of goals. At club level, the above mentioned trio did those on a more regular basis. However, Mourinho would be the first to admit the enormous work rate Willian provides to his team is vital in letting his team mates thrive.
Hence, it is not a big surprise that he has arguably been Chelsea's best performer in their worst season. Willian has been the only silver lining in this catastrophic season for Chelsea. The tremendous work rate that Willian puts in every game makes him an asset even if the team is not doing well. Surprisingly, Willian has even improved his attacking side this season. He has become one of the best in terms of free kicks with the one he scored against Kiev being the most important one.
Willian is always a great team player to have in your squad. Such has been his form that there is reported interest in him from the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG. The new contract on the table has just proved his importance to his club. Hopefully, his performance against Argentina gives him the required recognition at the International level.
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However, the signing was anything but luxury. Although he endured a slow start, Willian quickly became one of Mourinho's first names on the sheet. Possessing a tremendous outburst of pace and a willingness to track back to help the defense, he perfectly suited Mourinho's counter attacking methods. However, before the 2015-16 season, Willian was never able to display his attacking verve, for which he was known with his former clubs, with Chelsea. He was very much overshadowed by the exploits of Hazard,Costa and Fabregas.
On the International level as well, in spite of his impressive performances for Shakhtar he was never given much recognition. Willian was noticed much more when he moved to Chelsea, although he still never started that often for Brazil.
Willian was never a player with statistics on his side. He never really provided a lot of assists or scored a lot of goals. At club level, the above mentioned trio did those on a more regular basis. However, Mourinho would be the first to admit the enormous work rate Willian provides to his team is vital in letting his team mates thrive.
Hence, it is not a big surprise that he has arguably been Chelsea's best performer in their worst season. Willian has been the only silver lining in this catastrophic season for Chelsea. The tremendous work rate that Willian puts in every game makes him an asset even if the team is not doing well. Surprisingly, Willian has even improved his attacking side this season. He has become one of the best in terms of free kicks with the one he scored against Kiev being the most important one.
Willian is always a great team player to have in your squad. Such has been his form that there is reported interest in him from the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG. The new contract on the table has just proved his importance to his club. Hopefully, his performance against Argentina gives him the required recognition at the International level.