BBC Pundit Singles Out “Super” Chelsea Player Whose Intelligence Was Key To Palace Win

BBC Pundit Singles Out “Super” Chelsea Player Whose Intelligence Was Key To Palace Win

BBC pundit Danny Murphy was full of praise for Chelsea winger Willian after his performance against Crystal Palace yesterday afternoon. The Brazilian was given the captain’s armband by Frank Lampard, and he rewarded his manager with a fine display.

Speaking on Match of the Day last night, Murphy said that the 31-year-old’s intelligence to move into pockets of space played a crucial role in getting the Blues the three points:

“Willian is a super player. Palace were good in the first half, they set up well. But his intelligence is there for all to see. He led the team well, took the responsibility as captain, that improved his performance. He was the one most likely to try and break down this Palace defence.”

Willian provided the assist for Tammy Abraham’s opener, executing a deft flick to send the striker in on goal seven minutes into the second half.

Despite Lampard’s tendency to favour youth since his arrival in the summer, the Chelsea boss has played the Brazilian international on a regular basis, with the wide man having started eight of the club’s twelve league games.

Willian’s contract does, though, expire in the summer and it remains to be seen whether his fine form will be rewarded with an extension.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.