Willian joined Chelsea just over six years ago now. In that time, he has worked under five different managers and all have trusted him. The Brazilian fell foul of arch disciplinarian Antonio Conte towards the end of his spell at the club, but otherwise, Willian’s skilful, hard working displays on the right hand side have been welcomed by all of his coaches.
His talents have also been appreciated by Tite at international level. However, when his former teammate Frank Lampard was appointed this summer with a brief to develop the club’s exciting tranche of young talent, Willian might have been forgiven for thinking that his number was up with the Blues.
His good friend and compatriot David Luiz left for Arsenal this summer after a difference of opinion with the new boss. Luiz has been replaced by academy product Fikayo Tomori. Likewise, Olivier Giroud who, like Willian, is in his 30s now, has seen his opportunities limited by the emergence of Tammy Abraham. The likes of Mason Mount have also impressed in Lampard’s future vision, while the club spent a lot of money on Willian’s long-term replacement Christian Pulisic this summer.
However, Willian has made himself indispensable to Lampard as an elder statesman figure. The Brazilian has set an example to his younger teammates and the Blues boss has been moved to praise him effusively, “His work ethic off the ball, we talk to the wingers and what we want off the ball we can show them that video of what Willian did today,” Lampard said after a 4-1 victory at Southampton in October.
“His quality, his bursts of pace, on the ball what he can do, the last four or five games I think he’s been our best player. And that’s a great thing to say when you’ve got players who are examples on the pitch around these young boys.” Where he might have feared his Chelsea career was fizzling out, the Brazilian has carved out a niche for himself as a guardian for the club’s exciting young talent, while producing his typically energetic performances from the right flank, allowing freedom to the likes of Abraham and Mount.
Realistically, Willian is probably in his last season with the club with a new contract still to be agreed. He will likely see out his career with his beloved Corinthians in Brazil, but Willian is truly enjoying his Stamford Bridge swan song.
