Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has raved about Willian, a player whose contract was terminated by Arsenal back in 2021.
The Brazil international is one of Fulham’s most important players now. He is a fantastic footballer, and if Marco Silva’s side are to get anything from the game on Sunday, Willian will be key. Klopp seems to be a big fan of him.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp praises Arsenal flop Willian
Arsenal signed Willian from Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.
The Brazilian was viewed as someone who would bring a lot of quality and experience to Arsenal’s young side, and Mikel Arteta and Edu handed him a lucrative deal to lure him in.
However, Willian’s time at the Emirates was a disastrous one. He managed just one goal in 37 appearances for the Gunners, and many branded him as a flop.
After just one season at Arsenal, both Willian and the Gunners decided enough was enough. His contract was terminated and he was released on a free.
Despite his disappointing spell at the Emirates, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp rates Willian very highly and feels he is up there with the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen.
Speaking about Fulham’s attack, Klopp said, as per Liverpool’s official website: “How they set it up with, I don’t know, [Raul] Jimenez now up front or whoever will play, or [Carlos] Vinicius and then you have one of the greatest players the Premier League ever saw still going and going and going [Willian].
Willian is a star for Fulham now
After a disastrous spell at Arsenal and an equally disappointing time back home in Brazil with Corinthians, everyone felt Willian’s career was over.
The Brazilian had just turned 34 last year when Fulham decided to sign him on a free transfer. There were a lot of eyebrows raised at the time, but he has done really well.
Now 35, Willian has three goals to his name this season. He is still a big threat in attack, and his quality on the ball hasn’t gone away at all.
Liverpool will be the favourites to beat Fulham tomorrow, but if Willian turns up with a magical performance, the Londoners could cause an upset.