Billy Gilmour: Six things you didn’t know about the Chelsea wonderkid dazzling in pre-season
Frank Lampard has hailed the impact of Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour during the early stages of the Blues’ pre-season tour.
Gilmour, who joined from Rangers for a fee of around £500,000 back in 2017, has dazzled in Chelsea’s opening two fixtures against Bohemians and St Patrick’s Athletic – and has caught the eye of his boss for his displays.
“In the second half: Billy Gilmour. He’s had a brilliant trip and has shown real personality at the level that he’s played for a young lad in these two games,” Lampard told Chelsea TV.
“He’s been great. I just hope Billy keeps pushing on with that this season.”
The emergence of Gilmour could be symbolic of a new dawn at Chelsea, with a manager who isn’t reluctant to take a chance on the talented youth stars at his disposal.
But what do we know about him? talkSPORT.com has identified six things you may not know about the teenage sensation.
1. He has attracted interest from the big boys
Back in 2016, many of the elite sides around Europe took notice of Gilmour, who was shining at youth level as a 16-year-old.
It is believed Manchester United, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona were all tracking the progress of the youngster, but a trip to Chelsea’s Cobham training complex persuaded him to join the west London club.
Chelsea will now have to nurture him to make sure he lives up his potential.
2. He often plays above his age group
Gimour was promoted to Rangers’ Under-20s side when he was just 15-years-old and after his talent became apparent, he was soon fast-tracked to the senior side.
He featured in provisional matchday squads for Rangers and also featured regularly for Scotland’s Under-21s.
At Chelsea, Gilmour has enjoyed plenty of playing time with the Under-23s setup, so he will embrace the challenge of making his mark with the first-team should he be given the opportunity.
3. He is a creative diamond
Gilmour is very versatile and that will appeal to Lampard greatly. He is comfortable in both a deep-lying role, as a box-to-box midfelder, or in the no.10 slot.
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One of the most impressive features of the midfielder is his composure on the ball. He has the ability to pick out the right passes under pressure, while dictating the tempo of the game.
He could become a useful member of Lampard’s squad, should any of Chelsea’s other options fail to impress in midfield.
4. He’s not just a playmaker
Although Gilmour will certainly need to bulk up if he is to shine in the Premier League, the youngster isn’t afraid to put his body on the line to recover possession.
He is by no means N’Golo Kante, but he will never shirk from the physical side of the game and will do his utmost to win the ball back for his team.
His willingness to have the ball at his feet can see his temper get the better of him from time to time, but the Stamford Bridge faithful will relish a player who gives his all for the team and isn’t afraid to show passion on the pitch.
5. He has one aim in football
Breaking through to the first team is often a rarity for youngsters at Chelsea, but Gilmour possesses the ambition and drive to make it to the top – just like his new boss did.
The Scot once told BBC Sport that he only has one goal in football; to become the best player in the world.
It is clear that Gilmour isn’t just content with winning matches. He wants to perform on the pitch and achieve things that truly stand out to the crowd at Stamford Bridge.
6. He rates Lampard over Steven Gerrard
Gilmour wasted little time to choose Lampard as his favourite player, and he did so well before the Englishman was even close to being named the new manager at Stamford Bridge.
And although it is no surprise he told BBC Sport he believes Lampard is a better player than Liverpool legend Gerrard, it will no doubt delight Blues fans.
He now has the chance to work alongside his hero Lampard, who will undoubtedly be able to pass on some of his vast football knowledge.