The Technical Area – Willian’s Progress

Much like the broader picture of his career at Stamford Bridge, Willian’s 2017/18 FPL campaign has been something of a tumultuous one.

Heavily touted in the pre-season as an underpriced route into the Chelsea attack (after an Eden Hazard injury opening up space within the Chelsea XI), the Brazilian’s early returns proved bitterly underwhelming: no goals and a solitary assist over the opening eight Gameweeks served as disappointing returns for a player of his calibre.

A spell on the sidelines followed, with Willian most frequently utilised as an impact substitute towards the end of matches.

The winds of change, however, seem once again to be blowing in Southwest London.

Willian, who had started just one of Chelsea’s previous eight fixtures, returned to the lineup in Gameweek 17 and has since proved a revelation.

From this date, he has returned three goals and five assists over eight Gameweeks, alongside a heady seven bonus points. In so doing, the winger has also begun his return to fantasy prominence – acquiring over 100,000 new owners during this span.

Do the underlying numbers support the idea of a Brazilian resurgence? And how do Willian’s numbers compare to other mid-priced competitors? With popular mid-priced picks now falling by the wayside, could Willian yet prove to be a powerful Fantasy differential?