Willian in the MLS could be the masterstroke every team needs

Age could be a problem in football for anyone who has said so because they failed to get an understanding of Willian's story. A 36-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder, who did not renew his contract with Fulham, finds himself free on the market, ready for the next challenge. The nagging question: Will he fit in with an MLS side? The answer is, of course, a resounding yes. With a résumé that includes spells with European football giants and a deft technical ability, Willian is the kind of player who could elevate the level of any team in Major League Soccer.

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Willian, who has already shone at Chelsea, also had moments under the sun at Fulham but failed to establish himself as the absolute star of Marco Silva's team. He made 67 appearances for Fulham by scoring 10 and assisting seven times, not bad for a player many said was on the decline.

Of course, his performance last season fell off a cliff. He featured much less, netted fewer goals, and notched fewer assists compared to the previous year. But that's not a suggestion of irrelevance. On the contrary, that might well mean he would be poised for a new beginning. The MLS could prove to be the right setting for Willian to strut his stuff without the constant pressure he was under in the Premier League.

Just imagine where Willian's experience and vision could take him to manufacture opportunities with a team at the level of Los Angeles FC or Inter Miami. These are clubs that showed the world they are not afraid to deal with huge names and know the value of shining talent and experience. Willian is capable of dribbling with free kicks and tactical reading, which would make him a perfect mentor for young talents and, at the same time, a maestro in midfield.

But that's not everything. A figure like Willian would mean marketing and appealing to the populace. He is a name that attracts attention because it brings with it the mystique of the big European stages. What has fans abuzz, regardless, is the simple fact that being spotted at a Leagues Cup match between Los Angeles FC and the Colorado Rapids is certain to mean something more, if it is not just a precursor.

In a growing league where the balance between youth and experience strives for the very most value, Willian could be the link many teams are looking for. He would bring great technical quality and, at the same time, the will to win. In not only hear but also inspire and motivate, Willian seems the obvious choice for any MLS team looking for a player who can make a difference and bring something a little bit extra.

The question remains, therefore: Which club will budge first? Who will realize that a chance to bring in a player of Willian's calibre is one that doesn't go a-begging every day? The answer could define not only Willian's future, but also the success of next season for any team willing to gamble on his ability.

Well, now you must wonder how he can be the new reinforcement; simply because he has been club-less since leaving Fulham. Willian still has lots to offer with his feet, and an instance of experience trumping youth, his MLS move could turn out to be the masterstroke for which everyone was waiting.