It's time to admit Chelsea's Willian is the most underrated player in the Premier League
When he rattled the post for the second time against Barcelona towards the end of the first half, it looked like it wasn’t going to be Willian’s night. And in a way that was a microcosm for his time at Chelsea; flashes of genius but never quite hitting the mark.
But when he curled in a precise finish just after the hour mark it indicated that, maybe, things might be different this time around. And it’s probably time to admit that the Brazilian is, in fact, the most underrated player in the Premier League.
Chelsea fans may respond that, yes, while he is supremely talented it’s consistency in performances that has been his undoing in the five years since he joined the Blues from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. And then there’s the argument that befalls plenty of talented attackers; where’s the end product?
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Chelsea legend Frank Lampard did the same after that 1-1 Champions League last 16 first leg draw with Barca, saying on Willian’s goal to BT Sport: “I’ve seen him do it in training time and time again. When you’re talking about him not playing and you’re talking about a level of consistency with him, you want to see him do that all the time.
“Some say he’s a victim of the structure of the team because Pedro has been impressive and it’s a given that Eden Hazard will play pretty much every game. It’s been up to him to show that he’s the man. I don’t think he’s always done it but on that form tonight he’s one of the top players.
However, this season the 29-year-old has delivered. He has been involved in 18 goals (11 converted and 7 assists) which is his joint highest in a blue shirt with 2015/16 – where he won Chelsea Player of the Year by a mile – but has done it in 1,700 fewer minutes and 18 fewer starts. He is on track to have his best season yet for Chelsea if he continues his current trend, and we’re only in February.
His goal and all-round performance against Barcelona proves that he can deliver at the very highest level against the very best opposition. He’s scored four goals in his last four starts and was Man of the Match in three of them. Perhaps he is ready to finally answer those inconsistency claims.
His goal against Barca also meant that since joining Chelsea in 2013, he has scored six Champions League goals from outside the box, which is more than any other player in that period (Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are next on 5).
Blues manager Antonio Conte seems to prefer Pedro and a system that focuses on Hazard and marauding full-backs, leaving Willian to try to force his way in, when really the Italian should be building his side around the Brazilian. Certainly on current form.
In a way, Willian suffers from Theo Walcott syndrome as a player still striving to fulfil his potential at the age of 29 when really he should be hitting his career stride and enjoying his peak years. However, a lack of starts under Conte this and last season means that hasn’t been possible. Finally, though, the time may have come.
Chelsea face Manchester United on Sunday and Willian faces former manager Jose Mourinho. “He is my friend. I had a great time with him, but I am at Chelsea and he is now at Manchester United,” said the Brazilian. “Against Manchester United, I think we can do a great job.”
On current form you wouldn’t bet against him remaining Mourinho – and Conte – of what he can deliver.
