Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has claimed that the quality of youngster Billy Gilmour is going to ensure he gets chances, but did acknowledge it’s highly competitive in his area of the pitch.
Gilmour, who has recently returned from a knee problem, is a highly-rated central midfielder that will be looking to break back into contention and he got a late cameo performance in midweek during the Champions League win against Sevilla.
The 19-year-old made a big impression with his senior breakthrough last campaign, as he looks a mature player for such a young age and he demands possession off senior teammates.
He’s suited to a deep-lying midfield position, but could have to fight off the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho if he wants to play regularly at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard commented on Gilmour ahead of Saturday’s home league clash against Leeds United, which is one of seven matches across all competitions the club still has to play in December.
“Yes, possibly,” Lampard replied when asked if Gilmour will get first-team minutes during the rest of this month.
“We are competitive in midfield, as I mentioned at the start we don’t have injuries at the moment so the numbers mean some players miss out on squad, and some do tomorrow. But the quality of Billy hopefully means he will get some minutes, particularly when we look at the Champions League coming up in midweek and what’s on that game.
“More than that I think Billy’s quality will shine through, but obviously there is competition in that area so we will have to see.”
Lampard is in the rare luxury of having a fully fit squad at his disposal this weekend, which means there will be an entire host of quality individuals missing from the squad.
Scottish teenager Gilmour will clearly be eaed back from his injury, but it sounds like he will get his chance next Tuesday in the Champions League group stages against Krasnodar.
He’s a big rising star that has already given a glimpse into what he can do on the pitch and he’s going to have to raise his levels if he wants to break into the side.
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