18 Jan 2015 10:30:15
In defence of Willian!
I've noticed that here, and other places, Willian gets a rough ride from the fans. Personally I'm a big fan of his, and think that the fact that what he does for the team goes largely unnoticed is a bit of a scandal.
First obvious thing is his effort levels, they're unbelievable! He has been moulded into the perfect 'Mourihno player', working hard up and down the pitch; selflessly working for the team.
He also gets a hard time for not beating players enough. Although he has the ability to go past players this simply isn't his game. What he does do well, which aids others massively, is pick the ball up and drive into space. This aids the likes of Costa, Hazard and Oscar because driving into space pulls defenders out of position leaving more space for teammates. Whilst he might not be a natural finisher, as demonstrated yesterday, he does chip in with the odd goal - the old saying of 'a scorer of great goals, not a great goal scorer' comes to mind.
Would I prefer Reus on the right? Yes! Would I like to see Willian sold to make room for Reus? Categorically no!
Great post, I rate him. Like you say, what he does for the team is awesome. If we get Rues, then we have to keep Willian. He will be used a lot in the important CL games, in order to defend when we go in front. Also when he does get brought on in the later half of a game, he can break will real pace, as LFC know! :)
{Ed002's Note - There has been no suggestion to sell Willian to fund the purchase of Reus.}
Would love to see a stat for how many times he has hit the woodwork haha
{Ed002's Note - It'll be out there somewhere.}
I'm sorry but 1 goal and 1 assist in 20 odd games this season in the league is just not good enough.
I completely agree with the original poster. Willian adds much needed balance to our team and is probably the most selfless player we have in terms of making runs off the ball to free up space for others. There is much more to football than just goals and assists stats! The only thing I would say he could run in behind opposition defences a bit more rather than coming square to receive the ball because he has the pace to stretch teams.
18 Jan 2015 21:55:08
I've said before that most of his strengths aren't as valuable in our team. He'd be fabulous in a team that primarily counter attacks such as an atletico Madrid. Unfortunately his defensive abilities aren't as valuable for us when most opposition fullbacks don't cross midfield in 90 minutes.
18 Jan 2015 22:11:07
To say Willians work rate goes un noticed is not true. We all see it. Especially his tracking back. Shame he doesn't try so hard using his pace going forward. Great player but also the most frustrating!!
Exactly right Blueboy, whenever he sprints back I'm cheering for him, we all are. But when it's 4 on 2 and Willian has it, I cringe.
I'm not asking for a 15 goal season, with 5 assists. I just want him to get goals. If he adds goals he will be a freak, then again he already is :)
19 Jan 2015 06:30:54
Great post J, completely agree. I feel William is and will be a great player for us in the future.
19 Jan 2015 07:30:39
Schurrle has more goals than Willian this season, and he has played a lot less.