Chelsea star Willian believes that the Premier League is getting tougher and tougher. After starting the season strongly, Chelsea ended up being inconsistent throughout the season but did manage to secure a top-four finish. They will be returning to the Champions League next season after missing out this season as they finished fifth last term under the guidance of Antonio Conte.
Willian has been part of the Chelsea first team since 2013 and has witnessed the many changes that have taken place in the league’s hierarchy during that time. Ten years ago, the Premier League was a completely different environment. The top-four finishers were regularly Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. Manchester City were a mid-table team at the time while Tottenham were a modest side who regularly finished on the top half of the standings but never really managed to challenge for a Champions League spot.
Today, no team can be sure of ensuring Champions League qualification. Manchester City are arguably the best team in England while Tottenham have also become regular top-four finishers after having secured Champions League qualification during the past four consecutive seasons under the astute leadership of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
As quoted by ESPN, Willian said: “I always say that the Premier League is the toughest championship in the world. Lots of players dream about playing in the Premier League someday and it’s clear to see why.
“The fact the four English teams are playing in the Champions League and Europa League final shows that the work is being well done.
“Liverpool are in the Champions League final for the second time in two years while Tottenham will be playing for the first time. Chelsea and Arsenal are no strangers to those types of matches either.
“The Premier League is growing as we speak, and it gets harder by the hour. This is why English teams are in the final of two tournaments like these.”
