Willian can have an impact at Chelsea... Antonio Conte must keep him happy amid enquiries from Manchester United

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When Brazil recently defeated Japan in their friendly match in Lille, the Brazilian head coach Tite entrusted Willian with the captain's armband.

Willian would appear to be a manager's dream. He is technically sharp and fiercely diligent, the real-life incarnation of the Duracell bunny. Even during Jose Mourinho's darkest days towards the end at Chelsea, Willian was one of the few to maintain his standards. He maintained his professional integrity and Mourinho has not forgotten.

This week Sportsmail revealed that Manchester United have made enquiries to ascertain his availability. Mourinho views Willian as a more dynamic and consistent option to the out-of-favour Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Mourinho also knows that Willian can be relied upon to rise to the grand occasion.  

Chelsea must prioritise fending off competition from Manchester United for Willian's signature

He was outstanding when Chelsea won a crucial game at Tottenham at Wembley in August and he came off the bench to score an important equaliser at Anfield last month.

As Chelsea continue to battle on four fronts, it is unsurprising to learn that the club are not keen to lose Willian next month. Conte has also been irritated to see the manner in which Nemanja Matic's departure bolstered a direct rival and he will have little inclination of helping out his foe once more this season.

Willian, for his part, insists he is content at Stamford Bridge.

Yet speculation around Willian's future has persisted since Conte arrived at the club. The club's Brazilian contingent have not always pleased their Italian taskmaster, with Diego Costa and David Luiz both falling foul of Conte in the past year.

Willian, for his part, remains great friends with his compatriots but he is too professional to take up protestations on behalf of his allies. 

The Brazilian has played a key role in Chelsea's two Premier League victories this week

BLUES NEED LIVELY BRAZILIAN WILLIAN 

Willian was a hyper-active annoyance to the Southampton defensive line during Saturday's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Visit Sportsmail's exclusive Match Zone for more key match facts, here.

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Yet Willian does have concerns of his own, for he has also been frustrated by a relative lack of opportunities in recent months.

This victory over Southampton was Willian's second start in succession this week - having previously started only one Premier League game since the defeat by Crystal Palace in October. 

He did not start home or away against Atletico Madrid or Roma in the Champions League. He is not one of Conte's undroppables and Willian will be conscious of his need to play regularly as he seeks to seal a place in Brazil's starting line-up in Russia next summer.

In the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge, it may also be seen as smart financial sense to offload the Brazilian. Willian is now 29 years old and the promise of a large fee for a player who depends on energy and mobility may appeal to Chelsea's decision-makers next summer. 

Willian hasn't been preferred by Antonio Conte, with one start since October before this week

Yet for the short-term, Chelsea are right to resist temptation. In the absence of a high quality back-up option for Alvaro Morata, Willian's pace and directness hands Conte the option of playing with the 3-4-3 system employed for the past two games. 

As Eden Hazard darted and weaved as the false No 9, Willian stretched Southampton's five-man rear-guard. He sprinted in behind at every turn, he carried the ball with purpose and he led the charge when it came to hunting Southampton down to retrieve the ball. 

At Huddersfield on Tuesday, his quick-thinking and clinical finishing saw him score one and play a key part in Chelsea racing into a three-goal lead inside 50 minutes.  

The 29-year-old is on Manchester United's January shortlist and former boss Jose Mourinho

Manchester United are willing to be patient. They adopted a similar pursuit for Nemanja Matic. Mourinho made clear his interest in reuniting with the Serbian midfielder in his first summer at the club and finally got his man back in August.

It has been a similar story with Willian. United asked the question upon Mourinho's arrival at the club and they have done so twice since through intermediaries.

Willian told Goal earlier this year: 'There were a few conversations with my agent. I worked with Mourinho and I became his friend as well.

'He likes me a lot and I like him a lot as a coach and as a person. He has put his trust in me and in my work, and I was very grateful to him.'

It is a move that appears likely at some stage. Mourinho tends to get what he wants but on this occasion, he will wait his turn.

In the past week, we have seen the contribution Willian can make to the Chelsea cause. It might be wise for Conte to make more use of him in the months to come.

Jose Mourinho has made numerous enquiries about the winger to force a reunion