4:35 pm | July 16, 2018 | Go to Source | Author: Jonathan Soveta
Tite’s insistence on including Willian in his starting lineup looks to have paid off in full.
Following Brazil‘s relatively comfortable 2-0 win over Mexico on Monday, allowing the Selecao to samba into its seventh straight World Cup quarter-final, Willian – who’s had a turbulent tournament – hinted that he’s earned the trust of his austere manager.
“I’m happy for the fond nickname (Tite) has given me, calling me ‘little rocket,'” he told Globo Esporte. “But the most important thing is for Brazil to win.”
He diligently showed why he deserves the title Monday.
The Chelsea winger has struggled with consistency in Russia. His below-par showings against Serbia and Costa Rica – the latter of which saw him replaced by Douglas Costa for the entire second half – tarnished an otherwise positive display against Switzerland, but his relentless performance against Mexico in their last-16 tilt should erase any doubts about his spot in Tite’s side.
Understandably overlooked thanks to the other two-thirds of Brazil’s attacking midfield trident, William was the Selecao’s most threatening player Monday. While placing Neymar and Phillippe Coutinho under lockdown was the correct tactical approach (and it won’t be the last time they’re simultaneously subdued by opponents), it benefited no one more than Willian, who shouldered the added responsibility with ease.
Unlike in the group stage, the 29-year-old shifted frequently from his role on the right in Monday’s win, drifting centrally in order to help his teammates overload Mexico away from his side. He tore into his opponents, challenging them head-on and beating slow-to-react Mexican markers with little difficulty. By comparison, Neymar – one of the greatest in the game today with the ball at his feet – completed just seven dribbles against El Tri, while Willian managed nine.
And while he tends to favour a more direct approach, Willian was instrumental in Brazil’s build-up play, too. As four different defenders gawked at Neymar’s 51st-minute latitudinal run on the edge of Mexico’s box, he latched onto the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s nifty lay-off, immediately intent on exploiting El Tri’s distracted defence. He succeeded, exploding past Hugo Ayala before sending in a left-footed hybrid cross-shot that gifted Neymar the opening and deciding goal.
(Photo courtesy: TSN Sports)
Due to a quiet Premier League season, and the names he’s “cursed” to play alongside at the international level, Willian may never command the same attention as his teammates. There may be no better example of the shadow he plays beneath than Neymar being named man of the match against Mexico, despite Willian’s persuasive case.
But with Tite’s admiration and a firm grip on his starting spot, Brazil’s little rocket may just fuel his country’s journey back to World Cup glory.
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