How Willian Has Made Himself Indispensable to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea

Jose Mourinho may have been sending mixed messages about Andre Schurrle on the back of Chelsea's 3-0 win over Watford in the FA Cup, but there was no doubting his views on Willian.

Whereas Schurrle has been unconvincing of late, Willian has become a key figure at Stamford Bridge. From being rotated and often uncertain of his place, the Brazilian is now regarded as vital in Chelsea's attacking three midfielders.

Sunday confirmed it.

"Willian and Diego [Costa] were fundamental [to Chelsea winning the game]," Mourinho said afterwards.

The manager had made eight changes to his side after the 5-3 humbling against Tottenham Hotpsur three days earlier but couldn't do without some of his trusted charges to get Chelsea through a tricky cup tie.

Without the safety net of the excellent Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard—both rested—Mourinho's view was clear: He had faith in his starting XI but not enough to leave them to do the job he had picked them for.

When things didn't go right against Watford, it was Willian and Costa who needed to save the day, coming on as half-time substitutes for Schurrle and Oscar.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

"It was a risk," Mourinho conceded. "[...] I know normally when I make changes in my team, the ones from the goalkeeper to the midfield [pivot] are the ones that normally follow the standard of performance.

"Petr Cech, Kurt Zouma, Filipe [Luis], [John Obi] Mikel and Ramires—these are normally the players that, when they play, there are no doubts. But from there, we have sometimes some ups and downs.

"We have sometimes not so very solid performances. I needed some guarantees so to have Willian and Diego was important for us."

It says so much for Willian that he has been elevated to such heights. He's among a group whom Mourinho now calls his "fundamental" players.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The goals Costa scores are a clear indicator of his value to this team. Even when he isn't at his clinical best, the Spain international is contributing in some form, too.

Now the same is being said of Willian.

"He is the type of player who, without even scoring goals, he gives so much to the team," Mourinho added.

"He creates and always has a good dynamic. When the team loses the ball, he is probably the first defender as he reacts in a very effective way and presses immediately.

"He recovers balls, so Willian is not the kind of player who, no goals, no performance. No, Willian always gives us a performance."

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Chelsea have Hazard, Costa and Oscar to score their goals. It's what happens when those players aren't in possession that is equally important, which is Mourinho's point.

For Chelsea to be successful, they need a balance. Those who graft and create alongside those who create and finish.

Willian is the former, and it's where he has the edge over Schurrle right now. To a lesser degree, it's why Mohamed Salah has struggled so much at Chelsea as well.

The Egyptian isn't competing with Willian for a starting place—he's up against Hazard and Oscar. Given their profile, he's going to find it tough, but he doesn't have enough about his game to adapt and challenge Willian.

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Right now, the same can be said for Schurrle, whose all-round performances aren't giving Chelsea enough.

In that regard, Willian's arguably Chelsea's most effective player for the role he plays. The end product isn't always there, but as a complete player, he offers so much more.

Championship-winning teams thrive on that level of ability. Hazard, Costa and Fabregas will win Chelsea the title, yet it's players such as Willian who will give them the platform to achieve it.

Willian has carved out a niche for himself at Stamford Bridge. There isn't a player quite like him and the manager knows it.

Even those in the opposite dugout can't escape how important he has become.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic was asked about the difference Costa made in a second half that saw Chelsea score three times after a goalless opening 45 minutes.

"Or Willian," he corrected the journalist, suggesting the wrong player had been identified.

Willian's display carried an air of seniority about it. He led from the front and got the job done. Willian didn't just score a wonderful opening goal, he worked hard across the pitch to stop Watford on the break and ensure Chelsea pressed higher up.

The tenacity of Chelsea's early-season form returned in the second half, and it became the type of performance that is the hallmark of what we've come to expect.

Willian's stock has risen. Indeed, he's indispensable.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes