As Brazil found themselves 2-0 down at half time in Kazan, with their World Cup dream on the brink of dying, Tite decided to take off Willian.
On his day, Willian can be utter brilliance, but this was not one of those days. The Belgium defence had his number so the 29-year-old was hooked, replaced by Roberto Firmino.
It didn’t work, Brazil are out, and Willian will now take time to consider his future as Chelsea mull over interest from Barcelona and Manchester United. The word is Chelsea want as much as £70million, but that Barca are thinking closer to £50m.
A few fans think if Roman Abramovich’s side can get anywhere near that figure then they should jump at the chance, then reinvest it in a replacement.
Willian, though a talented hard-working forward, has been criticised for his inconsistency at Stamford Bridge. In five seasons, his numbers have fluctuated.
The Brazilian turns 30 next month, but we know Jose Mourinho was more than happy to take a 29-year-old Alexis Sanchez off Arsenal.
Mourinho is clearly a fan of Willian. Chelsea beat Tottenham to his signing in 2013, which was much to the Portuguese’s delight. He now has the chance to beat Barcelona.
Meanwhile, over at Manchester City, they are likewise looking to sign their own right winger. Riyad Mahrez, after a lengthy transfer saga, is finally closing in on a move to City for similar money to Willian.
The figure is said to be £60m for the 27-year-old Leicester forward. Comparing the two, they both have their pros and cons. Mahrez scored twice as many league goals as Willian last season with both having appeared in 36 games.
The Chelsea forward, though, played for 1,077 fewer minutes than the Algerian as Antonio Conte preferred to keep the Brazilian on the bench. In terms of per 90, Willian scored fewer goals than Mahrez (0.29 to 0.36) but assisted more (0.33 to 0.3).
William and Riyad Mahrez Statistics
For Chelsea, William created 2.96 chances a game. For Leicester, Mahrez created 1.76. Willian also completed 3.2 dribbles a game compared to Mahrez’s 2.46.
The difference in quality around them at their respective clubs has to come into consideration, of course. Surround Mahrez with the superstars at City, for example, and his statistics may suddenly change.
Ultimately, both wingers have their pluses and minuses and their own styles, though the age crucially comes into play. Willian turns 30 in August, while Mahrez does not turn 28 for another seven months.
Overall, City will feel they are getting the better deal of the two. Mahrez simply has more going for him than Willian, who can have his good games but the odd one bad.
