Zico, one of the greatest football players to have ever graced this world, visited Cobham on Monday, to hang out with our collection of Brazilians and talk shop with the man who's prowess at free kicks this season has been likened to the legend himself. Judging by his Instagram, Willian was quite excited by the visit from "the great idol"; wonder if he learned any hot tips ahead of the crucial games coming up in both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
While Willian hasn't actually scored a free kick since Thanksgiving, he has added "regular" goals to his game, including two in his last three appearances. Overall, he's reached double digits for the season for the first time in his career, adding a dimension to his game that shows up more readily on the scoreboard as well.
"I'm feeling very well. I always challenge myself to score more goals, and this season, importantly, I've been hitting the back of the net and helping Chelsea. I hope to continue like this for much longer, making goals and helping the team to wins."
-Willian; source: Globo via Google Translate
With Willian the runaway consensus leader as far as our Player of the Season goes, a new contract would be a formality. There were rumors to that effect back in November already, so it's safe to say something's in the works.
Chelsea have offered Willian a four-year contract worth £120,000 a week amid concern that failure to qualify for next season's Champions League could force players to head for the exit.
-source: The Times
While rumors of an "exodus" are surely just sensationalist drivel, we could be looking at a massive overhaul in several key positions. Willian's is not one of those positions. The 27-year-old will have two years remaining on his original five-year deal this summer; now is the obvious, proper time for an extension.