Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has heaped praise on Willian and said he has never let the club down.
The Brazilian has been linked with a January exit from Stamford Bridge, and a player-plush-cash bid from Barcelona is said to have been rejected by Chelsea.
While it has been a difficult season for Willian, who has struggled for form and consistency, he did net a superb goal, which proved to be the winner, on Saturday as Chelsea ran out 2-1 victors over Newcastle.
And Cole, who spent seven years at Chelsea, winning three Premier Leagues and two FA Cups, was full of admiration for Willian following his superb strike.
“He is one of the most underrated players,” Cole said on BT Sport. “Eden Hazard gets a lot of headlines but Willian has never let Chelsea down.
“It was sensational. When Hazard picks the ball up, his awareness and ability to know what’s around him is amazing.
“He took the whole back five out of play and we want to see Willian in these positions. To cut inside from there and bang it in is unbelievable.
“Willian knows what he’s doing with the ball – right, come inside and hit that top bins. I loved it, absolutely loved it.”
Cole will return to Chelsea as an academy coach following his retirement from football in November.
He will work with various age groups, including the under-18s and development squad, while continuing to study for his coaching qualifications.
