Fantasy Premier League

GW24 Lessons learned: Willian value turns heads

By The Scout 22 Jan 2018
Brighton & Hove Albion 0-4 Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder gives chase to Sergio Aguero as the top transfer target in Fantasy

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The pursuit of value in Fantasy Premier League is urging managers look to Willian (£6.7m) as a new option.

His 12-point tally in Chelsea's 4-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion has triggered a rush of transfers.

Willian has already been brought in by over 40,000 managers ahead of next week's Gameweek 25 deadline, second only to Sergio Aguero (£11.8m and 47,000+).

The Brazilian's display at the Amex Stadium marked the third occasion in his last five starts that he has produced both a goal and an assist in a single match.

Hazard comparison

Indeed, the comparison with team-mate Eden Hazard (£10.6m) since Gameweek 16 is significant.

Willian has supplied three goals and five assists at a rate of 6.1 points per match and 9.1 minutes per point over that nine-match period.

By contrast, Hazard has contributed only three goals and an assist, making one fewer appearance but playing more minutes (621 v 503) overall.

The Belgian has supplied 5.5 points per match, at a rate of 14.1 minutes per point, lagging behind Willian on both counts.

The underlying statistics support these results.

Hazard's ICT Threat score from Gameweek 16 is superior (363 v 288.5) but Willian has been more accurate with his shooting, firing 10 shots on target to his team-mate's nine.

And Willian wins out for ICT Creativity (347.3 v 261.5) having supplied 24 chances to Hazard's 19, in 118 fewer minutes.

Willian v Hazard since Gameweek 16
FPL stats  Hazard Willian
Price £10.6m £6.7m
Shots 22 20
Shots on target 9 10
Chances created 19 24
Points 44 55


Despite his recent form, however, the midfielder's starting role in Antonio Conte's line-up is not assured.

He last made four successive Premier League starts back in Gameweeks 5-8 and was withdrawn before 72 minutes in each of those four outings.

And with Pedro (£7.7m) back from his one-match suspension and the UEFA Champions League tie with Barcelona looming, FPL managers should be wary of rotation.

Chelsea's teamsheets for the Carabao Cup semi-final with Arsenal on Wednesday, along with their FA Cup fourth-round tie with Newcastle United on Sunday, will tell us more.

The Blues take on AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge for Gameweek 25.

Also in this series

Part 2: GW24 Lessons learned: Martial staking his claim
Part 3: GW24 Lessons learned: Fabianski chases De Gea

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