Champions Chelsea put forward the worst title defence in the history of the Premier League, spending majority of the season closer to the relegation zone than to the top of the table. A dismal season on all fronts saw them finish 10th, and one that saw Jose Mourinho lose his job for only the second time in his managerial career. While Player of the Year, Hazard struggled, Fabregas showed just why Barcelona sold him and even Diego Costa was unable to find some goal scoring form in the midst of his injuries. Antonio Conte will have his work cut out for him if Chelsea are to mount a challenge for the title, especially with the arrivals of Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in Manchester.
There were a few positives however, and Willian was once of them. In a season where the likes of Hazard and Oscar struggled, Willian thrived. Playing with energy and determination, Willian looked like one of the only players who wanted to make things happen for Chelsea. Being a versatile player, he can play behind the striker or out wide. He’s quick and skilful and his speed means he’s very useful when you’re counter attacking with pace. He’s pretty good in a dead ball situation as well, scoring free-kicks for fun at the start of the season. His great array of passing makes him a brilliant player to play alongside.
Another great attribute of the Brazilian is that he’s always willing track back and work to win the ball back. Something managers are always demanding of their wide players. Being Brazilian, most people expect you to be a good dribbler, and Willian is no different. He adds a bit of dynamism that an otherwise lacklustre Chelsea were certainly lacking. With confidence pulsating through him, none of the controversies that affected Chelsea seemed to bother him. While it looked like some of the players stopped playing for Mourinho, Willian Never had such problems. He was always a 100% committed, willing to give his all for the team.
If you compare his performances with his teammates from last season, he was miles ahead. Comparing him to the likes of Oscar, Fabregas, Pedro and Hazard, Willian played the most key passes, 12 more thansecond placed Hazard. He created 81 chances, 15 more than Hazard and was only one behind Fabregas in terms of assists. Compared with rival players such as Navas and Alexis Sanchez, Willian comes out on top their too. It was only Riyad Mahrez who had much better statistics and he was arguably one of the players of the season.
There’s no doubt Conte will be looking to lose some players but Willian should definitely not be one of them. Bringing in another attacking midfielder to play alongside him and Hazard will certainly make Chelsea a threatening force again. Of course, they will have to tighten the defence though. A struggling Ivanovic, an aging Terry and an uninspiring Cahill certainly need replacing.