These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Willian praised after Palace triumph

Willian was described as a ‘super player’ by Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy after putting in a strong performance as captain in our 2-0 win over Crystal Palace during the weekend.

Handed the captain’s armband for the match, the Brazilian impressed and played a key role in breaking down Palace’s tight and well-organised defence.

‘Willian is a super player,’ said Murphy. ‘Palace were good in the first-half, they set up well, but his intelligence is there for all to see.

‘He led the team well, took the responsibility as captain, that improved his performance. He was the one most likely to try and break down this Palace defence.

‘He’s been playing well anyway - but he took that responsibility that Frank Lampard’s asked him to in helping the young guys in a game that was a bit stale at times in the first-half because of Palace.’

The view was echoed by Garth Crooks who included Willian in the BBC’s team of the week alongside Christian Pulisic.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50369880

‘What a clever move by Frank Lampard to make Willian captain,’ said the former forward. ‘The Brazilian is now an elder statesman at Stamford Bridge and the perfect candidate to bring the Chelsea youngsters through.

‘He is also has the best player in the team and can command the respect of some very talented but inexperienced young players.

‘The flick on the edge of the Crystal Palace box to open up the space for Tammy Abraham to score was just wonderful.’

Cahill on his return to the Bridge

Gary Cahill admitted to the BBC it was a ‘weird’ feeling to be back at Stamford Bridge as an opposition player but the former Chelsea captain believes the future is bright for the Blues after our victory against his Crystal Palace side.

Having joined the Eagles in the summer, the 33-year-old was thankful for the reception he received on his first return to west London as the Chelsea fans applauded and sang his name towards the end of the game.

‘It was very strange to come back here,’ said the centre-back. ‘It was always going to be a bit emotional and a bit weird. Thank you to the fans for the reception, that was terrific.

‘To spend so much of my career and life as a footballer here, and the memories I've got, that's life as a footballer, you move on.’

Cahill also saw plenty of promise in the Blues as Lampard named our youngest-ever starting line-up for a Premier League match.

‘We've come up against a very good team in very good form so it was difficult today,’ he added. ‘We defended very well as a team in the first half. The onus is on them to be on the front foot but we soaked it up and defended well. The first goal was a blow and luck went their way.

"For a fan of Chelsea, it's so exciting for the young lads to have these opportunities... It was very tough today. We played well but the quality's there. The more experience they get the better they'll be for it.’

Kante committed to the Blues

In an interview with French television programme Telefoot, N’Golo Kante re-affirmed his commitment to Chelsea and his desire to win more trophies with the club.

Despite committing himself to the Blues by signing a new five-year deal 12 months ago, the French midfielder has been continually linked by the media with moves elsewhere.

However, the 28-year-old said he has no intention of leaving anytime soon.

‘Of course (I could finish my career at Chelsea), today I am with Chelsea until 2023. So, in my head, I hope to continue to have great seasons with Chelsea until 2023,’ said Kante.

‘When I arrived at Chelsea, I was at Leicester and I had just won my first title with a club. Today at Chelsea, I have had three wonderful years winning titles.

‘I think that it is a club that has helped me a lot and I hope that I will be able to win a lot more titles here.’