News.Kyiv.Me.

‘Ronaldinho was obviously fantastic with his free-kicks, but I would look to David Beckham and Andrea Pirlo, too, when it came to studying technique.

‘The goal against Kyiv is one of the best in my career. I remember I scored a goal last season against Everton (a 1-0 victory in February) towards the end of the game as well. I was definitely very happy with the Kyiv goal and being able to help the team to achieve the victory we needed.’

The 27-year-old whips a brilliant free-kick over the Dynamo Kyiv wall to win the Champions League clash

Willian has been a shining light in what has been a disappointing season so far for the Blues

Willian’s shy demeanour is hardly that of a typical leader, but there is more than one way to inspire team-mates.

In a Chelsea season to forget, Willian has led by example and is the club’s player of the campaign by a long way, with five goals to his name. ‘I’m in the best form of my career,’ he said. ‘I am at a stage — I am 27 years old — where you reach your peak.

‘The best moments for players should be between 27 and 30. Hopefully I will be able to maintain this level for the rest of the season.’

Willian scored against his current employers when he played for Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk

Willian believes it is too early to compare his influence to the likes of Didier Drogba and Frank Lam-pard, ‘amazing players’ who have a ‘massive history’ with Chelsea. But turning into a leader on the pitch appeals to him.

‘Becoming a key player is an obligation for me,’ he said. ‘I always want more. I never settle. I never feel comfortable because I am a regular, for Chelsea or Brazil.

‘It is too early to start speaking about if I could fit into that role left by Drogba and Lampard, but my hope is to carry on working the same way I am doing right now, and in the future I would like to be recognised by the Chelsea fans as one of those leaders.’

Willian keen to be a leader for Chelsea and wants to be recognised like Didier Drogba (left) and Frank Lampard

Mourinho has been a huge influence on a creative player who feels he is ‘free’ to express himself when his team have the ball.

Willian, speaking at the launch of the PlayStation 4’s Need For Speed game, said: ‘I have been learning a lot from the manager. Next year I will have been here three seasons and I have been evolving a lot. I have been learning from Mourinho on a daily basis.

‘He is the type of manager who knows when he needs to back up the players, he knows when it is time to relax and joke around.

Jose Mourinho (centre) is under-pressure at the club but Willian says he’s learnt a lot from him

‘I am in a good moment now. Mourinho is a manager who gives me a lot of confidence, and I am very happy working with him.

‘He is very disciplined when it comes to the tactical aspect of the game. He likes to work a lot tactically and when we have the ball we are free, especially the guys who play up front. 

‘We are free to do whatever we like and want with the ball. Obviously he insists when we don’t have the ball that we work for the team.’

Chelsea travel to Stoke on Saturday as they look to get their Premier League campaign back on track

The Blues crashed out of the Capital One Cup at Stoke last month and head back to the Britannia Stadium. Defeat in the Premier League could have more serious consequences.

‘It is always difficult playing Stoke away,’ says Willian. ‘They have a very physical side with big players. But at this moment I think we are capable of going out there at the weekend and producing a good game.’

Mourinho must certainly hope so — the Portuguese’s job could depend on it.

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