Naming Willian captain was a clever decision by Frank Lampard, Garth Crooks states.
Chelsea’s starting lineup against Crystal Palace had an average age of 24 years and 88 days, which is the lowest ever in the Premier League. Lampard made Willian the captain while Cesar Azpilicueta was on the bench.
Willian was the seniormost player on the pitch while the Blues triumphed over Palace 2-0. Crooks plauded Lampard’s decision to hand the Brazilian leadership responsibilities from the front.
“What a clever move by Frank Lampard to make Willian captain,” Crooks wrote for BBC Sport after picking the Chelsea veteran in his Premier League team of the week.
“The Brazilian is now an elder statesman at Stamford Bridge and the perfect candidate to bring the Chelsea youngsters through.”
“Joel Ward should be given time off to get over the run-around Christian Pulisic gave him at Stamford Bridge in the London derby,” Crooks added about Christian Pulisic, who scored one and assisted the other on Saturday.
“Within the opening exchanges, the American danced round the full-back only to be saved by Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita. Pulisic then stepped over the ball so emphatically Ward nearly had to pay to get back in the ground.
“Pulisic not only loves taking players on but scoring goals and he’s good at it. He’s not afraid to get in where it hurts either which is always a very good indicator.”
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