It may not be the best decision to let Willian leave Chelsea
One news that has made the rounds this week is the one about Chelsea midfielder Willian being offered to Real Madrid, and the Spanish giants opting against making a move for him due to his wage demands.
However, one question is this; Are the Blues ready for life without Willian considering he’s one of the most experienced players in the team, and will make his experience count when the going gets tough?
Willian has been a mainstay at Stamford Bridge since he arrived from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013. The Brazil international, who is now 31, has played vital roles under all the managers that have come and gone at Stamford Bridge in recent times.
However, the player’s stay at Stamford Bridge has left the Chelsea fanbase divided due to his abilities on the pitch.
One thing has been established about the midfielder. He’s not a statistically gifted player and does not have the attacking numbers working in his favor.
Willian plays with a lot of energy, is skillful, can take a shot, and has an eye for a key pass. He’s also a tireless attacker who never frowns on defensive duties as this is evidenced in his grounds covered on the pitch during games.
This appears to have affected his creative numbers, and working under Jose Mourinho who insists that attackers must engage in defensive duties may have also played a part in this. Regardless, he has been a key man for the Blues up till now.
Some Chelsea fans want a Willian with lots of goals and assists to his name and do not appreciate the supposed dirty work he does on the pitch while others are content with his unseen contributions on the pitch.
Now, will it be wise for Frank Lampard to let go of the player this summer as contract extension agreement is yet to be reached based on disagreements over contract duration?
The Brazilian wants to continue playing at the highest level and unsurprisingly hasn’t been short of suitors.
One thing is sure. The COVID-19 pandemic will impact the transfer market and it will only be wise for clubs to keep hold of their prized assets who still have more to offer, instead of jostling for replacements in a market that will be unbalanced.
Willian has been a key man under Frank Lampard this season. The Brazil international has played 28 Premier League games with 5 goals and 5 assists to his name.
As I mentioned, he’s not a statistically gifted player, regardless, he has been immense for the Blues this season.
Regardless, Willian has been a key man at Chelsea, and although the club has a policy against extending contracts of players above 30 for more than a year.
Maybe a compromise could be reached between the club and the player considering he’s one of their loyal and longest-serving players.
