‘He’s got quality’: Gilberto Silva praises Arsenal player who’s done something ‘very important’

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva has waxed lyrical about Gunners winger Willian, claiming he sent a message to his critics with his performance against Leicester at the weekend.

Willian struggled for much of his time at the Emirates Stadium following his move last summer after leaving Chelsea.

He impressed in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Fulham but the majority of his displays since then were average at best and poor at worst.

However, Willian has looked much better in recent weeks, and played a big part in helping the Gunners to victory over Leicester on Sunday.

The Brazilian assisted the first and the third goals and was key in the build-up to the second.

And Gilberto, speaking on the Invisible Wall podcast, believes Willian’s performance proved that he has what it takes to contribute at the Emirates Stadium.

“Willian had a good game, it was very important for him because I believe there has been a lot of pressure on him since he’s come to Arsenal,” he said.

“There’s been some criticism on his performances and it’s important for him to feel that he’s able to help the team and that he’s capable.

“The good thing is that I do believe that people in this squad do not really care about what people say outside, because they understand each other, they know each other on the training ground and they understand how hard everybody works in order to get results to help the club.

“Particularly for Willian this is something very important and he’s had a good performance and sent a message for people telling them he didn’t forget how to play football, and just to show that he’s capable, he’s got quality and he’s ready to help the club.”

TBR View:

Willian has had his fair share of detractors this season but credit to him for putting in a much-improved performance and looking much better overall in the past few weeks.

Likewise, Arteta deserves credit for sticking to his guns, working with Willian and giving him the chance to show what he can do.