- 9 hours ago
Will Billy Gilmour be given a chance at Chelsea?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 6 min read
Chelsea’s academy have produced some excellent talent over the years, and whilst they can’t take too much credit for Billy Gilmour, having signed him for £500,000 from Rangers aged 15, the diminutive midfielder could play a pivotal role in the club’s future.
Promoted to the first-team under former boss Frank Lampard, Gilmour has struggled to make an impression since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, and whilst the German has reiterated how impressed he has been with the Scot, Gilmour is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League under the new management.
Rumours of a loan move away circulated in January, and with his lack of involvement, many had suggested that he would be loaned out this summer.
However, after a bright performance against Sheffield United in the FA Cup, could things be about to change for Gilmour?
How well did he play against Sheff Utd?
Gilmour managed 72 minutes in the game, before being replaced by Kai Havertz as Chelsea looked for a second goal.
During his time on the pitch, Gilmour won six of his seven duels, won his only aerial battle, impressive considering he is only five-foot-seven, completed 92% of his passes and completed 20 final third passes, the fourth highest in the game, and the highest of a player to not play 90 minutes.
He did the basics well, and his performance would’ve no doubt impressed Tuchel, while he has maybe given himself a shot at starting a Premier League game soon.
How does he compare to Chelsea’s other options?
Gilmour’s main competitor for a spot in the Chelsea team is Jorginho. Their style is fairly alike, but unfortunately for Gilmour, the Italian is a favourite of Tuchel.
However, how do their stats compare?
| 2020/21 All Competitions | Gilmour | Jorginho |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes | 471 | 2,079 |
| Goals/Assists | 0/0 | 7/1 |
| Tackles + Interceptions P90 | 2.3 | 4.0 |
| Duels won P90 | 3.9 | 4.6 |
| Dribbles P90 | 1.1 | 0.3 |
| Final Third Passes P90 | 22.1 | 17.4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% | 89% |
The clear difference is the amount of defensive work Jorginho does in comparison to Gilmour. This does, however, have a caveat as Gilmour has played the majority of his minutes in cup games where opposition is weaker, hence less defensive work has to be completed.
Either way, Gilmour will have to impress Tuchel in training if he is to be trusted in the league; if he can’t be trusted then you have to wonder whether Gilmour’s head might start thinking of pastures new.
