Versatility is a key asset for midfielders in modern football. Willians is no different. The player, who excelled last season as a second man, becoming the leading ball-stealer in the Brazilian Championship, may now have to play a bit deeper. Coach Andrade wants more combativeness in protecting the defense, and Willians may be the right player for this role.

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Toró, Willians, Kleberson, and Vinícius Pacheco—the formation that played in the second half of the Fla-Flu match and turned the game from 1-3 to 5-3. This is the likely midfield lineup for the Flamengo team in the semifinal against Botafogo. The first two defensive midfielders would be more stationary, as was the case with Aírton and Maldonado in 2009. Willians sees no problem with playing this way.

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"If Andrade puts me in charge of protecting the defenders, I don't see any problem with that, because I've played that way before and it won't be a surprise to me. I respect the coach a lot and I'm here to help Flamengo," he said.

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The scorer of Flamengo's second goal in the 2-2 draw with Botafogo in the first leg of last year's Campeonato Carioca final, Willians disagrees with Andrade's team being the favorite. He believes the black and white team will play on equal terms.

"I believe it will be a very tough game and they will come to face us on equal terms. Furthermore, they have become even stronger with the arrival of Joel Santana," said the midfielder.

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Willians arrived at Flamengo in early 2009, signed from Santo André, along with defender Douglas. Unlike his former teammate, he quickly won over the coaching staff and fans with his dedication on the field combined with his technical quality when passing the ball. He was the top ball stealer in the 2009 Brasileirão, having played 57 matches for Flamengo and scored three goals.