Willian can fill Hazard's Fantasy boots

Fantasy Premier League

Looking for a midfield alternative to injured Chelsea star? The Scout says Brazilian's electric pre-season form gives managers a solution

Having named four value midfield options for Fantasy Premier League managers, The Scout's attentions turn to those worthy of their higher price tags.

Willian (Chelsea) £7.0m

FPL managers should be quick to recognise the potential on offer from Chelsea winger Willian (£7.0m).

With Eden Hazard's (£10.5m) ankle injury expected to keep him out until September, the Brazilian has sprung into pre-season form.

Willian fired a hat-trick and claimed an assist in an 8-2 victory against Fulham. He played only 45 minutes of the match.

He looks set to claim a starting berth in Antonio Conte’s front three, with Pedro (£8.0m) patrolling the opposite flank, until Hazard’s return. 

Owned by 8.1% of FPL managers, Willian started only 15 of his 34 appearances last season.

But he still produced a career-high eight goals, three more than he managed in 2015/16.

Crucially, Willian’s average of 191.75 minutes per goal was far quicker than Pedro’s 243.33.

Although he trailed his team-mate for assists by three to 10, Willian was also more creative than Pedro. He supplied 51 key passes to the Spaniard’s 42.

Willian created a scoring chance on average every 30 minutes, second only to Cesc Fabregas (£7.0m), with 21.9, for Chelsea. 

His share of dead-ball duties heightens his appeal.

Again, he was second to Fabregas for corners (62 to 74), but his delivery was far more accurate - 37% of his deliveries found a team-mate, compared with 17% from Fabregas. 

Tellingly, Chelsea scored 22 goals from set-pieces under Conte, more than any other side.

Handed a home encounter with Burnley to begin their title defence, Willian can profit from Hazard’s early absence to offer FPL managers points from the first kick.

See: Game time can launch Gray in Fantasy