Is this guy the most underrated of the Chelsea players?

Think of the headline makers in the Chelsea team and you immediately think of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa. However for me there is one that goes somewhat unnoticed compared to the others but is just as important - Willian.

Signed for £32m back at the end of August 2013, Willian has grown into someone that both Jose Mourinho and the fans love. That's down to his work rate and influence he has in games.

You only have to look at our winning goal against Stoke at the weekend and note that it was Willian who read that the goalkeeper was going to roll the ball out to his defender and won the ball ahead of him, passing to Eden Hazard who took the ball onto to pass to Loic Remy to score into an empty net.

You look at Willian now compared to when he signed for the club to see just how much his stature within the team has grown. He starts games more often than note because although he is blessed with immense skill and talent, he is willing to put a phenomenal shift in without the ball.

It's with the ball and his ability that is exciting for me. OK, he isn't in the same class as Eden Hazard (but then who is?) but he is quick on his feet, two footed and has lightening pace that sees him move away from challenges with ease.

Every single successful team needs different cogs to function together in order to work and Willian fits the Mourinho mould perfectly. Think of how many times he sprints to close players down, how many times he gets back into position to help the defence to set their shape and how many times he will nick the ball away from someone and win us a free kick to take the pressure off our back line.

Willian is someone who should receive plenty of plaudits for his performances this season and the role he has played in the success of this season so far.

He seems quite a quiet and reserved person who doesn't really crave the attention off the pitch but in any other Premier League side, he would rightfully command attention on it with his work rate and performances. It's just the fact that he is surrounded by world class players such as Eden Hazard that he can be overlooked more often than not.

I personally feel that Willian is one of our most underrated players - What do you think?