Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has told the club’s official website that he thinks Willian has so much potential.
Willian has endured a difficult spell at Arsenal since arriving on a free transfer in the summer.
The Brazilian hasn’t been taken to by the Emirates Stadium faithful, and his productivity in the final third hasn’t been particularly notable.
Willian is yet to even score a goal for the Gunners, although he does have seven assists in 30 games.
The 32-year-old has recently enjoyed his best run of form in an Arsenal shirt to date.
And although he hasn’t quite forced his way into Arsenal’s preferred starting line-up yet, Arteta feels that his improvement has been vast.
“I think we can reach a higher performance level because his potential is so big,” Arteta said.
“He needs the contribution to the team and the team to be stable in order to provide what he needs to express himself on the pitch.
“It’s true that in recent weeks we’ve seen a much better version of him and his contribution when he is playing has been really positive. So it’s going to be crucial, his form, for the performance of the team in the last two months.”
Willian was actually put up in front of the media by Arsenal ahead of their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.
That can, at times, point towards a player being set to start – but if Willian does feature from the off tonight it would be a shock.
Arsenal’s season effectively comes down to their progress in European competition, and Arteta will surely be naming his strongest side later.
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