Willian always seems to divide opinions. The Brazilian has always won games for Chelsea in the past but he often comes up with poor performances and takes slack. To many, he’s still a vital player for the Blues and one of the key reasons places like Bet365 casino are tipping Frank Lampard’s side to finish in the top four. But to some, he is someone the team can make do without. That makes him such a fascinating case in modern-day football.
What makes his situation even more interesting is his contract situation. William’s current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out in the summer of 2020. There is no shortage of interest in the Brazilian, with Tottenham and Bayern Munich linked with him. The same report suggests that Chelsea seem close to losing out on him and that is why links with Juventus make it interesting.
The bianconeri have made a name out of signing free transfers. Recent free signing Aaron Ramsey is finding his form back under Maurizio Sarri, while the opposite seems true for Adrien Rabiot. Another player that they signed for free- Emre Can, recently left to join Borussia Dortmund. Sami Khedira, Andrea Pirlo, Kingsley Coman, Dani Alves and Federico Balzaretti are previous examples.
But this isn’t about their history though. And neither is it about Juve’s old-age ‘La Vecchia Signora’ nickname that became synonymous with them signing ageing players in their early days. It is about what Willian would give to them and his understanding of Sarri’s system.
In the neopolitian’s modified 4-3-1-2 shape this season, Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo have been the usual front-three. Dybala either plays upfront or drops deeper to play as the central playmaker. The club has relied on their abilities, but Federico Bernardeschi has let many down. The former Fiorentina man is yet to score or assist even once in the Serie A.
That could be down to him playing in an unnatural number ten position, but Douglas Costa’s injury issues have been carrying on. He has missed 17 games due to injury and even though he did get a crucial goal against Lokomotiv Moscow, he’s fallen down the pecking order.
Juan Cuadrado has been one of Juve’s best players this season. But he’s made the right-back position his own, even though he’s been used further upfront on rare occasions.
What William brings is versatility in shape and formation for Sarri. He was crucial under him at Chelsea last season, playing on either the left or the right side of the 4-3-3. In 56 appearances in all competitions, he contributed to goals. While that isn’t a lot but Sarri knows what he brings to the plate.
While talking to GDS last season (via Calciomercato), he said: “Willian? He is a player of immense quality. His style of play is perfect for England. The Brazillian class plus British passion is incredible.”
Sarri is known to be a manager who only sees black or white. Grey doesn’t exist for him. If a player isn’t buying into his system and is struggling to get to grips with it, he doesn’t play. Miralem Pjanic’s recent struggles have seen Rodrigo Bentancur play regularly in the anchor-man role. One big reason for him signing Jorginho at Chelsea was the Italian’s ability to understand Sarri’s system more than anything else.
Willian was economical in dribbling less and creating more last season. That is something Sarri likes, as the Brazilian came up with 2.5 key passes per game and was one of their chief creators. He completed only 1.2 dribbles per game but knew when to pass and what do when the side had possession high up the pitch.
Juve’s issues this season have come from al lack of creativity from behind the strikers. Dejan Kulusevski is arriving next season and he does add that creative spark. But Willian adds familiarity to the Sarri system that very few Juve players have currently. He’s won a Europa League title with him as the manager and is known to be a thorough professional.
He would add the option of the team switching to Sarri’s usual 4-3-3 side. Versatility like that can prove vital in big games. Willian adds set-piece threats, considering how vital that part of the game has been to his armoury. He won’t cost much and Sarri would love someone in the side who knows the system and is a thorough professional.
