Brazil legend Juninho has boldly claimed that Chelsea midfielder Willian is ‘just a level behind’ Barcelona star Neymar, according to Eurosport.
Having joined Chelsea in 2013 for a fee believed to be in the region of £32m, the 27-year-old has gone on to play over 100 times for the west London club, while dividing opinion amongst the supporters. The former Shakhtar Donetsk man has a favourable work-rate, enabling him to be used more often than not by Jose Mourinho, but the lack of end product he often provides frustrates many onlookers.
With the Blues having signed Pedro in the summer, Willian has seen his starts this season become limited, but has taken opportunities when brought on – scoring free-kicks against Newcastle United, Porto and Southampton, as well as a well-taken first-half brace for his country during the international break against Venezuela and Juninho believes that Willian is now as important a player as Neymar.
Willian is just a level behind Neymar.It deserves to be analysed and treated as such.Willian deserves greater prominence. As a commentator, I feel obliged to say it.For me, Willian’s the most important guy [in the Brazil side].
Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge this Saturday and after good recent form, Willian will hope that it’s enough to see himself selected in the first XI.
