Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has backed Willian to prove his worth to Mikel Arteta before the end of the current season.
The Brazilian has struggled since joining the Gunners on a free transfer from Chelsea last year, failing to find the net despite consistent opportunities.
Willian's issues in front of goal and the fact that he has provided just three assists this season have attracted criticism from supporters, who continue to be frustrated by the fact he continues to be given chances.
However, Silvestre is insistent that Willian remains a 'world class player' and expects the experienced winger to provide an impact in the latter months of the season.
"Willian is a full Brazilian international. He is a world class player. It’s unfortunate that since he’s come to the club, the team has been in the deep for much of the season and so has he – the team has found it difficult as a whole," he told GentingBet.
"But he can bring all his quality and class to the team and I have no doubt that he will be a key player, especially this season as they come to the crunch points of the competitions."
Willian has now gone nine Premier League matches since his last assist in the Premier League, a decline in form which has seen his playing time restricted.
A regular starter in the early stages of the season, Willian has been limited to just substitute appearances since the 2-1 defeat to Everton in December.
However, with Gabriel Martinelli back available, fans are frustrated that Willian is the man Arteta regularly turns to from the bench rather than the young forward.
