Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour was handed his second league start in a row against Manchester City yesterday evening and the Scotland Under 21 international once again showed manager Thomas Tuchel he is ready to be a regular first-team starter.
The 19-year-old was assured in possession and grew into match as the game wore on, although there was one blot on his copybook when he gave away a penalty with a clumsy tackle on Gabriel Jesus just before halftime.
Luckily for Gilmour, the penalty was saved and he put in an excellent second-half performance to help seal a magnificent 2-1 comeback win at the Etihad Stadium. Fans on Twitter were full of praise for the teenager after the game:
He really is a class act. I'd trust him in any big game against any opponent.
— The Score (@TheScore01) May 8, 2021
You heard it from me first
He's winning the Ballon D'or in like 5 years— Tuchel (@CFCTuchel_) May 8, 2021
Plays like he’s been in the prem for years
— Kamz (@kamalOdweyne) May 8, 2021
Do not under estimate this lads ability and above all mental strength. Massive game against a top top team for a huge 3 points he steps up no problem. Unluckily gives away a pen and as u said doesn’t let it get to him and continues to play his way. This lad is 19 ??
— CT06 (@CT06_84) May 8, 2021
Scottish Fabregas
— AOWCG (American Outlaw’s White Castle Guy) (@AJ_S17va) May 8, 2021
The boy is just too good
— Tamar? (@peborjoe_1) May 8, 2021
Scottish Inesta. ?????
— GAMER DAD (@gamerdadug) May 8, 2021
Was my MOTM
— John (@John_Catchp0le) May 8, 2021
Exceptional talent
— Dumiso Dlamini (@Thelostduke_) May 9, 2021
It hasn’t been easy for Gilmour since Tuchel arrived in January, having been omitted from the matchday squad on a number of occasions in recent months, but he has slowly but surely eased his way back into the first-team picture. He will be hoping his performance against City will help keep his place in the side.