Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was effusive in his praise of midfielder Billy Gilmour following his substitute appearance against Hull City in the FA Cup last night.
The Scotland Under 21 international was calm and composed on the ball when he came onto the pitch, and the Blues boss thought he showed everyone what he was truly capable of:
“I thought Billy Gilmour was the best player on the pitch for the period of time that he was on the pitch. So I absolutely trust him. He came on, passed it, moved it, simple passes through the lines. Had little bits of contact and I trusted them to come on and do the job.”
Fans have echoed Lampard’s sentiments and are hoping to see more of Gilmour in the future:
Top Talent???
— it's Chelsea ting (@Talented1ones) 25 January 2020
Ice in his veins
— The Name's Lee (@DanielSenator) 25 January 2020
His intelligence and passing ability is already one of the best in Chelsea no debate
— LP7Loftus (@Lp7Le) 26 January 2020
Solid player, needs a great loan to gain playing time.
— Joe DeLuca (@joeyluca88) 25 January 2020
He was ace, but not as much as they hype it up to be. A lot to learn
— Darren Carlson (@darrenxxcarlson) 25 January 2020
Maybe he should have started.
— WILLIAM BULLARD (@BULLARDWILLIAM) 25 January 2020
Can mount REST now Please… Let's Give Gilmour His Chance.
— Vichillzه (@Victor_Lahna) 26 January 2020
And his bullet of a shot towards goal wasn't half bad either. The future looks good
— shehwaz (@shehwaz) 26 January 2020
Looked class on the ball but also very lightweight in a few challenges. Definitely has the ability tho.
— . (@Hutchins14O4) 26 January 2020
He is very skillful!!
— Pastor Boniface (@Bonifac36428134) 26 January 2020
The ex-Rangers academy graduate has an authority on the ball which belies his years. The 18-year-old is able to get himself out of trouble when in possession and then has the composure to pick out a pass with his excellent technical ability.
It is a rare commodity to have someone who is both technically sufficient and mentally ready at such a young age, and there’s no doubt that Chelsea supporters will be seeing a lot more of Gilmour in the months and years to come.