Billy Gilmour has impressed in the little games he has played for Chelsea but has already been tipped by Roy Keane to be “world-class” with a backing from the Blues boss too.
Frank Lampard has also raised his opinion on the Chelsea youngster claiming that he could possess some traits of ex Manchester United player Paul Scholes and sides with Keane’s assessment of the 18-year-old.
The midfielder has had six appearances to his name since his debut in August in the 2019-20 campaign. A class of performances against Liverpool and Everton in the FA Cup and league respectively have got praises heaped on him.
The coronavirus virus have come at a bad time for Gilmour, who was only grabbing a starting role in the squad before the virus.
Keane had to respond to the performance of the academy graduate after the win over Liverpool, insisting that he could be set for bigger things.
Roy Keane said early in March: “I was sitting at home with a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate in front of me and I didn’t have the volume on. When the game started I got out of my seat, which I rarely do and I thought: ‘Who is this kid?'”
Lampard share no different idea on this, “I had to put my cup of tea down to hear Roy say something nice!” Chelsea manager told Sky Sports on Monday. “Only joking, Roy Keane was a fantastic midfield player and probably won’t give credit unless it’s due, and it was due.
“I think Roy is right, I think he’s spot on, and Billy should be happy with that. He won’t go far wrong following something that a midfield player like Roy Keane says.
“Billy came with the right attitude and attributes, and a lot of that has to come from within. In terms of the basics, Billy has them, and that’s a great platform to build such a brilliant career.”
The 18-year old central midfielder also saw his manager describe with ex Manchester United player. The Chelsea boss admits that Gilmour is yet to reach the standards of Paul Scholes but was quick to add that the player has shades of the 11-time Premier League winner.
“Paul Scholes is obviously one of the greatest midfield players I’ve played against in the Premier League,” the ex Chelsea player added.
“He would always pick the right pass, he had incredible range. If you did try and jump from midfield and get to him and get close to him he’d just play it around the corner because he knew you were coming. Billy has shown early signs of that kind of ability.
“I’m not comparing him to Scholesy, no way at all, but in terms of those basics that you mentioned, then Billy certainly has them and that’s a great platform to build hopefully a fantastic career.”
