World Cup 2018 scouting report: Willian works hard for Brazil as Chelsea future remains in doubt

Neymar and Philippe Coutinho soaked up most of the attention on Brazilian’s World Cup 2018 bow but out on the right side Willian quietly worked his way through his repertoire.

Willian buzzed up and down the wing like a man determined to prove a point. He spent much of the game holding Brazil’s width while Neymar did the opposite on the other side, drifting in from the left as Marcelo charged around him. He counter-attacked with pace and purpose in those searing straight runs which carry the ball from one box to the other in a few seconds.

During Switzerland’s short bursts of pressure in the second half Willian conscientiously covered to help Danilo deal with the threat of Ricardo Rodriguez, tracking back to make a couple of important blocks on attempted crosses. Energy, pace, discipline: this was the winger’s base strengths being deployed and displayed.

Here is the thing about Willian. He is not a player to build an elite team around, but he continues to prove that he can be a vital building block in an elite team.

The question remains as to where that will be next season. Willian was not happy to be left out of Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team on several occasions this season; despite making 36 appearances in the Premier League, 16 were from the bench while a further nine ended there.

The 29-year-old wants to play consistently and will seek to move away from Stamford Bridge this summer if Conte remains at the club – the Italian is still in charge despite Chelsea’s very public chase of Maurizio Sarri. Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in bringing the Brazilian to Old Trafford as a replacement for Anthony Martial, who is expected to depart in the current transfer window.

What Willian didn’t deliver was end product, and therein lies the most common criticism of the player. For such a gifted talent his highest Premier League goal tally of eight seems a little light. Willian would argue he has had not been given enough opportunities to do more.

This tournament is now an opportunity to showcase his talents. He did that for periods against Switzerland but will need to deliver more if he is to increase his bargaining power this summer.