Reckon Lampard will stick with him even if Kante and Kovacic both available next weekend. Did he just sign a new contract? We certainly don't want the CHO situation like last season all over again.

If it isn't broken don't fix. Kante should slowly return starting on the bench since Barkley is actually playing well and producing all kinds of things and Kovacic can't replace Mount anyway.

Brilliant couple of performances from him. I was worried Carlo would have a plan for Gilmour after watching him dominate Liverpool but he couldn't be kept out of the game!

For me has to keep starting. It will be interesting to see how teams try and nullify his influence as the weeks go on. Surely they will try and mark him out of the game. The good thing is he's young and has bundles of energy, so will keep running and finding space when others (like Jorginho) maybe can't.

I think young Billy has played his way in... I can't see Kante being fit for another few weeks, and it would take some balls by Frank to change a winning team. 

He is simply a revelation and what he may lack in defensive attributes is made up elsewhere in the way he makes the team tick. 

In my opinion, in terms of natural ability and the confidence to back it up, I haven't seen a young player like it since Rooney, albeit perhaps not as explosive. 

1 minute ago, Elliott said:

I think young Billy has played his way in... I can't see Kante being fit for another few weeks, and it would take some balls by Frank to change a winning team. 

He is simply a revelation and what he may lack in defensive attributes is made up elsewhere in the way he makes the team tick. 

In my opinion, in terms of natural ability and the confidence to back it up, I haven't seen a young player like it since Rooney, albeit perhaps not as explosive. 

Thing is, he doesn't even lack in defensive attributes. Get a foot in and loves a tackle too, was even winning headers against players 5 inches taller than him against Liverpool.

Seems to have what Jorginho is lacking.

No, that is true, but his size will mean that he will lose a fair percentage of aerial duels and battles against more physically imposing players and much tougher tests are to come. I think that's why Barkley and Mount did so well in working with him as a collective force yesterday, as Frank pointed out. 

Edited March 9, 20206 yr by Elliott

He's been outstanding for two games now, and he has all the time in the world, remember that folks. Whether it's not now or next season, he has plenty of time, he shouldn't be benched anytime soon though, let him keep his spot for now, but if he does lose it and I suspect he will eventually, no big deal. This is great experience for him, he clearly adapted from that United game where he was bullied by a McTominay and Maguire, everything right now for him is a learning curve. 

3 minutes ago, Elliott said:

No, that is true, but his size will mean that he will lose a fair percentage of aerial duels and battles against more physically imposing players and much tougher tests are to come. I think that's why Barkley and Mount did so well in working with him as a collective force yesterday, as Frank pointed out. 

Luckily Barkley/RLC can offer the height/muscle in the middle of the park to win aerial duels. Gilmour can win most things on the ground, similar to Kante/Veratti. 

A few more games like that and the kid will turn me into a believer. He was brilliant in his last two outings, lets hope he can keep it up.

 

Another very good performance yesterday v Everton by the youngster.

14 hours ago, forbzy said:

Wee Pat must be delighted to see another Scottish diamond emerging at the club. It has been a while since we have had a Scot in the first team. Maybe even back to the 90's?

Wee Pat has just been given a job as media interpreter for Billy Gilmour.

I'm sure wee Pat is delighted .

It is great for me, a mere long time Chelsea supporter from north of the border. To see a young Scottish talent breaking through.

Edited March 9, 20206 yr by erskblue

Luckily Barkley/RLC can offer the height/muscle in the middle of the park to win aerial duels. Gilmour can win most things on the ground, similar to Kante/Veratti. 

Only Ruben brings that. Barkley is a bit of a pushover although he is muscular. Ruben is a beast... Against Liverpool Billy won couple of against the odds headers which for me was impressive. It is about timing and positioning to an extent.

4 hours ago, Elliott said:

No, that is true, but his size will mean that he will lose a fair percentage of aerial duels and battles against more physically imposing players and much tougher tests are to come. I think that's why Barkley and Mount did so well in working with him as a collective force yesterday, as Frank pointed out. 

Aerial duels are about timing and positioning. Even in basketball, it's about timing and positioning.

I don't see him having these issues if he trains his core and hamstrings a bit more. His movement with and without the ball is top class for me, like how young Fabregas did back when he was a 16yr old at Arsenal. Wish we had Fabregas back just to guide him better to help Billy reach the next levels.

I do hope he grows another 5cm or more to at least add a bit of bite to his game before brutes like Ashley Barnes barge into town.

 

2 hours ago, Deino said:

Aerial duels are about timing and positioning. Even in basketball, it's about timing and positioning.

I don't see him having these issues if he trains his core and hamstrings a bit more. His movement with and without the ball is top class for me, like how young Fabregas did back when he was a 16yr old at Arsenal. Wish we had Fabregas back just to guide him better to help Billy reach the next levels.

I do hope he grows another 5cm or more to at least add a bit of bite to his game before brutes like Ashley Barnes barge into town.

He seems a bright kid to me, think some players don't share as they are worried about losing their own place in the team yet think with Jody and Frank around him they will recommend he watches  DVDs of certain players to improve.

Looks to me like Giroud likes him too which can't but help if certain malicious players start taking lumps out of him.

2 hours ago, Strider6003 said:

He seems a bright kid to me, think some players don't share as they are worried about losing their own place in the team yet think with Jody and Frank around him they will recommend he watches  DVDs of certain players to improve.

Looks to me like Giroud likes him too which can't but help if certain malicious players start taking lumps out of him.

He already] identifies with an ex World class player  named Cesc, and studies his DVDs

Just now, Ballack & Blu said:

He already] identifies with an ex World class player  named Cesc, and studies his DVDs

That's good to know and a great player to study.

15 minutes ago, Strider6003 said:

That's good to know and a great player to study.

Same height as Dennis Wise, apparently.

3 minutes ago, the special one said:

Same height as Dennis Wise, apparently.

Wise was very important for us for a number of years another good player to study too.

20 minutes ago, Strider6003 said:

That's good to know and a great player to study.

A young (Arsenal) Cesc was a fabulous young player, tenacious, quick, super skilful, what you'd expect from la Masia 

He already] identifies with an ex World class player  named Cesc, and studies his DVDs

Similar to my career development with Ben Dover DVDs

22 minutes ago, Strider6003 said:

Wise was very important for us for a number of years another good player to study too.

 

21 minutes ago, Ballack & Blu said:

A young (Arsenal) Cesc was a fabulous young player, tenacious, quick, super skilful, what you'd expect from la Masia 

I like the current nickname of Billiesta, The British Iniesta, for The Young Scotsman

BTW, @Bonzodog29 was correct about the last Scotsman that was at Chelsea. Burley left in 97 & Clarke left in 98. That is over 20 years ago now. The 90's are a blur to me unfortunately. Sucks getting old.

20 minutes ago, robdog said:

 

I like the current nickname of Billiesta, The British Iniesta, for The Young Scotsman

BTW, @Bonzodog29 was correct about the last Scotsman that was at Chelsea. Burley left in 97 & Clarke left in 98. That is over 20 years ago now. The 90's are a blur to me unfortunately. Sucks getting old.

It's good that it was Steve Clarke, perhaps stayed a season too long though was a great servant in the 90's.

53 minutes ago, loz said:

1 hour ago, Ballack & Blu said:

He already] identifies with an ex World class player  named Cesc, and studies his DVDs

Similar to my career development with Ben Dover DVDs

Are you Danny D, lol

In fairness to Jorginho, Gilmour isn't doing anything different or more effective than running more than him. Actually, now that I think of that, it's a lot, because usually players like Jorginho don't run much. So this is a huge compliment. But for his success you also have to give credit to Barkley and Mount. Playing with these two suits their(Gilmour's and Jorginho) styles very well. They can organize the game with passes behind the opponent;s halfs backs and while Kante and Kovacic(Jorginho's partners) are absolutely terrible in shooting and making a good assist once in a good position(they usually stop and start turning around, passing it to Alonso or Dave), that's the best part of Ross and Mason's games - they got at opponent and shoot the ball or pass it in front. And Billy got lucky to have them for two consecutive games in a really good shape.

So if we keep Gilmour for the next games, I suggest we don't bench Ross or change Mason's position. Because if he "creates" what he did against the dippers and Everton for Kante and Kovacic, it's going to be a waste. And he isn't going to look as well. 

Edited March 10, 20206 yr by Droopy

Two starts, two wins, two man of the match awards. It has been a pretty good few days for 18-year-old Billy Gilmour.

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/03/09/billy-gilmour-on-trusting-his-own-ability-and-loving-life-at-che?cardIndex=0-3

 

The Scot was excellent in the FA Cup win over Liverpool and was at it again at the Bridge yesterday on his full Premier League debut. Calm and composed in possession, he helped set the tone for a superb Chelsea performance that yielded our biggest league success of the campaign.

For the second time in five days Gilmour showed no nerves on such a big stage, and he explained afterwards why he performs with no fear despite his tender age.

‘I trust my own ability, and play with great players around me,’ said Gilmour.

‘They help me a lot with their movement so I can play them the ball. You need to keep it moving, keep it simple. Then when you start to settle into the game you can start hitting the longer passes and play more forward passes.

‘It’s down to the gaffer as well for trusting me to play in these big games. Jody, Joe and the gaffer have been brilliant with me. I have had them [Morris and Edwards] through the youth and then to come to the first team with them has been really good for me. It’s really good for them to show trust.

‘You can see that the manager will give the young players an opportunity and it’s up to us to take it when we get the chance. It’s exciting to be at Chelsea and I just want to take my opportunity when it comes.’

Gilmour has certainly done just that in the past week, and with a number of our midfielders injured or suspended he will hope for more opportunities this season.

But now is a chance for Gilmour to reflect on the magnitude of his achievements.

‘It was amazing. It was a dream come true to make my full Premier League debut, but most of all getting the win was just fantastic.

‘I was more excited than nervous to be fair. It was tough. I just wanted to work my hardest, play well and do my best for the team.

‘I’m just delighted to help the team get the win and that we came out on top. I enjoyed the game, especially off the back of a good win against Liverpool in midweek, and hopefully I can get another chance to play. I’m loving it around here at the minute, it’s brilliant.’