Billy Gilmour dazzled in the Chelsea first-team on Wednesday night against Grimsby Town, which has caught the attention of ex-Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Frank Lampard’s side dispatched League Two opponents Grimsby Town 7-1 in mid-week during the Carabao Cup third round tie at Stamford Bridge.
They have been rewarded with a home tie against Manchester United in the next stage of the competition, where the manager should be eyeing revenge after defeat to them at Old Trafford on the opening day of the league season.
Ross Barkley, Michy Batshuayi (two), Pedro, Kurt Zouma, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi were on the scoresheet for the hosts, but the visitors did net with an eye-catching Matt Green volley that meant the teams went into half-time at 2-1.
It was a night where several academy graduates proved their class, albeit against a team in the fourth-tier of English football.
Gilmour, 18, was one that majorly stood out for Chelsea with his commanding display, as he made just his second senior appearance for the club and it was his first start.
The Scottish central midfielder played the full 90 minutes and it seemed like all the play went through him for the home side.
He is a deep-lying playmaker that showed his composure when on the ball and also his great range of passing.
His performance caught the attention of Spaniard Fabregas, who posted a heartfelt message to him on social media.
“He played amazing tonight [against Grimsby]. Personality is the most important at this age and he’s got it all right. Now time to keep learning and taking advantage of these games to prove the coach he’s good enough,” Fabregas wrote on his personal Twitter account.
Fabregas, 32, is one of the best midfield playmakers to play the game in the past decade and it should give Gilmour immense encouragement to receive praise for him.
He won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one Europa League and one League Cup during 198 games for Chelsea, before his emotional exit in January.
With so many ex-Chelsea players now part of the backroom staff at Stamford Bridge, it would be great to see Fabregas back in some capacity one day whenever he decides to hang up his boots.
Fabregas is the type of player that Gilmour should strive to be like and should be picking his brain at every opportunity.
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