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Chelsea needs more players like Willian to play for the badge

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Willian of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on February 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images,)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Willian of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on February 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images,) /
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Willian has quietly gone about his business under despite not playing often. Chelsea needs more players like Willian who put the club over personal glory.

The most talented player is not necessarily the best player. Pure will and desire can make a player great. The will and desire to win with the club no matter what. To play for the badge over personal glory. Cesar Azpilicueta has that. Jose Mourinho once said 11 Azpilicueta’s could win the Champions League. And more and more often, Willian is showing the same.

Willian plays for the badge. He does not play for headlines or the next big move. He is simply happy to put on the shirt in a way that helps the club win. If that is by playing, so be it. If it is by letting others play, so be it.

Antonio Conte has brought up this notion before. Recently, he was prodded into doing so again.

Players should be happy to be on a winning team regardless of if they are playing or not. When it comes to benching Willian last year, Conte feels justified by the title. By playing the Brazilian now, Conte feels justified by the player’s superb form.

At the end of the day, it is all about doing what is best for the club. And that is winning matches. If Willian is the best equipped to do that, he plays. If he is not, he will be on the bench. Few players understand this in the same way Willian does.

Willian oozes Chelsea. Few players just seem so happy to be at the club. Obviously he wants to play more. But if he does not, he will not kick up a fuss. He will simply put his head down and train harder. And if he still does not play, he does so with the understanding that it puts the club in a better position to win.

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These are the players that stay at the club for the long haul. They may not always be the most exciting choice but they are always reliable and always motivated. John Obi Mikel and Paulo Ferreira both filled this role previously. Cesar Azpilicueta and Willian fill this role now.

Win first, philosophy second managers like Mourinho and Conte love these types of players. Conte himself was that type of player. Their squads may not be built around the Willian’s of the world, but they use them as vital cogs behind the scenes that show a level of professionalism that is rarer and rarer in the modern game.

Eventually Willian’s form will cool. Or the club will purchase a star right winger to replace him. And Willian will return to the bench. That is the way of things at a top club.  But no one will hear a complaint from Willian.

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He will simply be happy to be at Chelsea and will do whatever it takes to help the club succeed.

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