Announced as a new signing for Flamengo on December 14, 2015, Willian Arão has been fundamental for the club. Having played in 28 of Flamengo's 30 matches this season, the number 5 shirt wearer has reached an impressive mark of over 93% of the games played this year, with seven assists and four goals scored for the club. Most of those goals came at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium in Volta Redonda.

He provided three assists against Confiança-SE in the 3-0 victory in the Copa do Brasil, in addition to two decisive assists in the Brasileirão: in the opening match against Sport, 1-0, and in the last game against Vitória, by the same score. In the Carioca Championship, Arão scored twice, both in the 5-0 thrashing of Portuguesa da Ilha. 

Standing at 1,81m tall, Willian Arão stands out not only for his ball recoveries and strong pace, but also for his crucial role in Flamengo's aerial game. With his assist to Vizeu in the penultimate match, the midfielder reached his fourth headed assist, his third in Volta Redonda. In addition to his assists, one of the goals scored against Portuguesa da Ilha also resulted from a cross into the box. Another positive point is that he hasn't received a single yellow card while playing for the biggest club in the world.

With Juan and Paulo Victor injured, and thanks to his good performances and leadership qualities on and off the field, Arão earned the captain's armband in the club's last two Brasileirão matches and did not shy away from the responsibility.

Willian Arão and Flamengo's next challenge will be against Figueirense on Sunday in Florianópolis. Kick-off is at 16 PM at Orlando Scarpelli stadium.