OPINION THREAD

Settling the FPL’s Willian-Pulisic debate... (sort of)

Since the restart these Chelsea wingers have surprised many with their consistently influential performances. In the last 5 GW Willian has 4G and 2A (46P), meanwhile Pulisic has 3G and 3A (37P). But who’s impressed more? Who should you sign?

Since the restart these Chelsea wingers have surprised many with their consistently influential performances. In the last 5 GW Willian has 4G and 2A (46P), meanwhile Pulisic has 3G and 3A (37P). But who’s impressed more? Who should you sign?

If we analyse the game v CRY we get a decent comparison of the two players. Pulisic (7.2), he’s in the form of his life. That clinical finish last night, shifting the ball on to his left and firing in at the near post, screams of a player who is confident and hunting for goals.

We’ve seen with some players since the restart, like Son for example, who are tentative to shoot. They’re not in the area to convert chances. Pulisic is the opposite, this run of form hasn’t occurred by accident. That being said, yesterday’s goal was his only shot of the game.

Whilst that shouldn’t concern owners, it does unveil a potential weakness to consistently deliver returns from open play against low-block sides. The American’s ability to break at pace alongside Willian is unquestionable and his goal against MCI exemplified that.

But what about his assist potential? 3 assists in his last 3 games, but none from open play. He’s won two penalties and the third assist was for winning the free kick that Willian expertly scored v WHU. His quick feet draws fouls and in a VAR age expect more penalty assists

We do worry that Pulisic’s already great all-round game may be hampered by his lack of play making. He absolutely effected the game v CRY but whilst 55 touches, 3 key passes and 2 crosses are solid numbers, they pale in comparison to Willian.

Willian (7.3) was the obvious MOTM last night for us. Statistically, 3 shots (2 OT) alongside 84 touches, 5 key passes and 8 crosses (inc. the 1st assist for Giroud) illustrate his impact on the game. Right now, Willian seems to have it all.

Where you could argue Pulisic falls very slightly short, Willian excels. He creates so many chances for Chelsea, from open play but also set pieces. That extra string to his bow should excite his 9.7% ownership.

His sublime free kick v WHU may not always come off, but the fact Willian is also on penalties should justify the extra 0.1m compared to Pulisic, if you can afford it. The fast and ruthless attacking intent of Chelsea suits both wingers so they both appear can’t-miss signings.

Also Lampard seems set on playing them both through the run-in, although there’s always a risk of rotation when you play twice a week and are still in the FA Cup. We also think particular attention needs to be paid to whether Giroud starts or not.

Giroud (6.6), much like Willian, seems a bit of an unsexy FPL pick. Perhaps for his age, perhaps because he was benched for long. But he’s the keystone to Chelsea’s attack. His one-touch link up play and attacking movement sucks defensive lines higher than they should be

Pulisic & Willian (as well as Mount and Barkley) feed off him. DCL sellers should be looking closely at him but also Willian/Pulisic owners. The one game since the restart where Giroud didn’t start, Chelsea lost and Abraham’s goal v CRY might give Lampard something to think about

This debate is so even, both are great players and it’s definitely worth owning one of them. The extra creativity of Willian and set-piece duty may give him the edge, but Pulisic’s confidence drawing fouls and being so clinical with his finishing makes him worth every penny.