Willian has been playing in the Premier League for Chelsea since 2013, so he will be well known to almost all Liverpool fans. As recently as the FA Cup tie in March he has scored against Liverpool, but would he be a good signing?
Willian is available on a free transfer this summer and the Daily Mail recently reported that Liverpool are showing an interest.
There are positives to low cost signings of seasoned veterans such as Willian. As important as youthful exuberance is in the modern game, we must never underestimate the value of experience.
Jurgen Klopp has utilised the free transfer well at Liverpool. Adrián has been an astute back up to Alisson since his free transfer from West Ham United. Joël Matip has also been a solid squad player since his free transfer from Schalke 04.
Other free transfers Liverpool have made in recent years have had varying levels of success. Alex Manninger, Andy Lonergan, Kolo Touré and James Milner all spring to mind; Milner clearly being the most successful example to draw on.
Like Milner himself, it is fair to say Willian could bring trophy winning experience to the club as a Premier League winner. He also comes across as a good professional judging by his attitude on the pitch and the fact he’s been named captain on previous occasions.
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Experience alone is not enough though and Willian has a questionable goal scoring record to say the least. According to Transfermarkt, Willian has 33 goals in 226 Premier League appearances. That’s only one more than Mohamed Salah managed in a single season.
Willian is a very hard working player defensively and he can break down stubborn defences. With his direct approach in open play and reliable set piece delivery, he can be an asset in the final third. However, a consistent end product has alluded him his entire career.
After nearly seven years at Chelsea with a good injury record, Willian should at least be able to boast 50 league goals in my opinion. He’s clearly not going to provide genuine competition for a starting role at Liverpool.
Which brings us to the question; who does Willian replace? Liverpool have significant attacking options to choose from with Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino already struggling for game time.
Personally, I do not see the logic behind Willian being signed by Liverpool. I have no doubt he could offer a solid option off the bench if somebody were to leave. I’m sure he’d also set a good example in the dressing room. I really do believe the club should be aiming higher in the market though.