Why Willian Was Chelsea’s Most Surprising Player in 2015/16 Season

It used to be all about Eden Hazard at Chelsea, but that changed this year. Suddenly Willian stole the headlines.

The fact the Brazilian would eventually be voted as the Blues’ Player of the Season is just as surprising as the former champions’ fall from grace. He used to be another face among the crowd, yet come May, Willian deserved all the personal accolades he would earn.

Few would have predicted that turn of events.

In a team of underperformers, the former Shakhtar Donetsk man was exceptional. He was Chelsea’s outstanding player, adding a few strings to his bow in the process.

In seasons gone by, it’s been Willian’s tireless work ethic that has earned him plaudits, although now we’re talking about him as a set-piece specialist.

It’s a side of his game that came from nowhere. Not before this season had Willian even hinted that he could provide a threat from dead-ball situations. Free-kicks were left to the usual suspects, with Cesc Fabregas and others often proving underwhelming.

Congratulations to @willianborges88 – the 2015/16 Player of the Year! ????#CFCPOTY2016 pic.twitter.com/K1oPVgUylb

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 13, 2016

Among other things, Chelsea’s failure to properly threaten opponents from set pieces has been a major cause for frustration. Frank Lampard was no stranger to scoring free-kicks in the past, nor was Didier Drogba, who had a knack for scoring the odd special goal. Indeed, it’s a craft he continues to perform with aplomb at Montreal Impact.

Since those two departed Chelsea, free-kicks haven’t been as productive, and it was another element of the side where they lacked any real threat at times. Then this year …

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