Without a pathway to the senior team due to multi-million-pound signings, many talented Chelsea academy players have been forced to look elsewhere for game time in recent history.
Things changed last year as the Blues were hit by a transfer ban in the summer and new boss Frank Lampard was forced to look into the youth to bring in players.
This led to Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Reece James making the step up to regular first-team football. But the most eye-catching rise has been that of Billy Gilmour.
The teenager has been impressive ever since his debut against Sheffield United in October.
But it was his matured performance against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge that caught everybody’s eye.
His assured presence in midfield meant that Chelsea did what very few teams could this season: beat Liverpool.
Gilmour does Fabinho filthy
The confidence the young Scot possessed was embodied by a piece of skill during the 2-0 win against the Reds. While starting an attack for Chelsea, Gilmour received the ball and moved forward.
When Fabinho came forth to break the attack, Gilmour calmly nutmegged the Brazilian in a move that received a huge cheer from the Blues faithful.
Billy… pic.twitter.com/oYn083WNN9
— Chelsea FC – #StayHomeSaveLives (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2020
Fabinho had been a rock in a rampant Liverpool side. Yet, here was an 18-year-old teenager who coolly nutmegged a Champions League winner.
Chelsea starlet expects revenge
The 18-year-old has predicted retribution from the Anfield faithful and Reds players when he would eventually face Liverpool.
In an interview with Football Daily, he was told that the Reds contingent would look to seek revenge for that nutmeg.
Gilmour was aware of it. He said that he did not expect to remain on the pitch long enough if he came up against Fabinho.
🗣”I might not be on the pitch very long if he comes up to me”
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 27, 2020
Billy Gilmour on his nutmeg against Fabinho pic.twitter.com/5nWILCureY
