Kwa nini tunasema Willian Katika ubora wake ni winga bora hata asipofunga magoli au kutoa assists?
Josh Williams kupitia andiko lake katika tovuti ya Football London anauelezea wasifu wa Willian akiwa uwanjani
The Chelsea boss seems to have instructed Willian to simply do what he's good at. He's never been a prolific scorer, nor has he ever created a great deal for those around him in terms of direct chances but despite that, he clearly has dangerous attacking qualities.
This season, the 31 year-old has become his team's main transition threat. His ability to carry the ball into the final third by simply running through vast space is unrivalled and derives from his remarkable pace and acceleration.
An example is pictured below against Manchester City, with Willian assuming possession in his own half at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola teams are drilled to close down but because of the space afforded to him, Willian evaded City's pressure and drove forwards while avoiding players such as Fernandinho, who simply couldn't match his speed.
Once entering the final third, Willian tends to feed others rather than shooting or forging a chance himself as shown below.
He's currently thriving as Chelsea's vehicle into the final third of the pitch, particularly when he retrieves possession when the ball is loose and unsettled.
Willian has played in a variety of positions this season but regardless, he seems to add this element to Lampard's side.
The action in question can be interpreted as a statistic, as it's commonly labelled as a progressive run, which is loosely defined as a carry that moves the ball considerably forward without taking a player on per se.
169 players have amassed over 800 minutes in the Premier League this season, and Willian is eighth for progressive runs per 90. He's behind players such as Raheem Sterling, Adama Traore and Felipe Anderson, each of whom consistently execute their runs down the flanks rather than through the middle.
Willian, by contrast, tends to drive inwards and through the centre of the field. The only player above him on the list who's regularly deployed as a central midfielder is Aston Villa's Jack Grealish.
Ultimately, Willian's tendency to carry his team up the park and into dangerous areas is an interesting quirk of his game that may be going unnoticed.
Lampard's goal of instilling an energetic, high-tempo playing style is transpiring nicely, but rather than being led by his new wave of talents, it's perhaps being showcased best by one of his most experienced heads.