Champions of 2014-2015 Chelsea recorded the worst title defence in the history of the Premier League, spending majority of the season closer to the relegation zone rather than challenging for the title. 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 tantrums. There were a few positives, however, and Willian was definitely the brightest spark. In a season where the likes of Hazard and Oscar struggled, the Brazilian midfielder thrived.
Next season is going to be very important for Willian and Chelsea, who will be under the leadership of Antonio Conte as they prepare to restore their lost pride from last season. The winger committed his future to the Blues recently by signing a new four-year contract, a move that will definitely go down well with the fans. Last season could have been far worse for the Blues had Willian not been in the side. He scored eleven goals and made nearly 50 appearances in what was a turbulent season for his team.
Playing with energy and determination, Willian looked like 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 skillful 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. The new deal will definitely eradicate any rumours linking the Brazilian with a move away from Stamford Bridge. The catalyst for all these rumours was obviously the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
It is clear to see why Conte would want Willian in his team next season, the energetic approach followed by the Italian compliments the winger’s style perfectly. The 27 year old is a hard working player who loves bombarding forward whenever possible without forgetting his defensive duties. Conte is known to favour a three man defence, which might see Willian being deployed as a wing-back, not his normal position, but the midfielder definitely has the fitness and astuteness to succeed there.
Comparing Willian to the likes of Oscar, Fabregas, Pedro and Hazard, one notices that the Brazilian played the most key passes, 12 more than second 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. Antonio Conte might not be everyones favourite but he is surely a perfect man to take Chelsea forward next season and what the contract suggests more than anything is that Willian will play an integral part in this Chelsea team.