Lampard begs Chelsea chiefs to give Willian new deal after amazing revival with winger free to talk to rivals in January
FRANK LAMPARD has made clear his hope that Chelsea will extend Willian's contract amid the winger's starring run of form.
A smart assist in the Blues' win over Crystal Palace on the weekend exemplified why the Brazilian is arguably the coach's most trusted wide-man.
Neither £58million signing Christian Pulisic, World Cup winner Pedro nor teen sensation Callum Hudson-Odoi have made as many appearances as Willian, 31.
Many had felt his Stamford Bridge career was on the wane as Lampard arrived but he has shown the sort of talents across the pitch that kept him in the side under a number of different coaches.
Willian's contract is up in the summer, meaning he can negotiate a free transfer in January but Lampard has already put forward his case for a new deal.
He told the club's media: "I can’t get involved in the money, that’s up to the club, but I think everyone sees from what I’m saying, and I’m relying on him and picking him and he’s producing, I love him at this football club."
A tally of three goals and three assists may not be able to match Pulisic's numbers but Lampard believes the American has much to learn from Willian.
The boss, 41, played with the Brazilian in their respective final and first year's at the club, and knows the impact he can have on the younger players.
He noted: "I know Willian’s qualities from playing with him, but when I looked at Willy over the last couple of years he was in and out of the team and I’m not sure; from the outside I want to see him happy, I know him and he’s a happy, really easy-going lad who loves his football.
"That was the first thing, when I looked at him at the start of the season, I saw him being huge for me and the way we want to play.
"Naturally, on the ball we all know his ability to go by one-v-one and shift people and then cross or get shots away is big.
"But the off-the-ball work he’s done is an absolutely outstanding example for Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic, for other young players and wingers who think the only part of the game is going past people and crossing or shooting.
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"He does the other side brilliantly, with absolute humility, so he’s been a joy and one of the experienced players that’s really helping the young boys.
"The selfless side of the game is always a starting point for me. As we work as staff here, it’s how good can we be off the ball and think about on the ball afterwards.
"When you’ve got someone showing the example high up the pitch, that just reflects everywhere."