Just now, Argo said:

Billy's direct competition at Barca would be Frankie De Jong. 

On what planet does he get in that team (currently) over the Dutchman?

Xavi. A new manager. New ideas. A man who was one of the best passers of the ball the modern game has seen.

An icon of the club. I suspect he may look to change a few things.

Even if Gilmour didn't regularly start, and I accept he probably wouldn't, what better tutor for him to work under. Playing for Barca reserves is a big step up from sitting on the bench at Norwich.

Just now, just said:

Xavi. A new manager. New ideas. A man who was one of the best passers of the ball the modern game has seen.

An icon of the club. I suspect he may look to change a few things.

Even if Gilmour didn't regularly start, and I accept he probably wouldn't, what better tutor for him to work under. Playing for Barca reserves is a big step up from sitting on the bench at Norwich.

He'll play his part but it will take him a while to be a regular starter with that level of competition.

Also Xavi himself was very far from rushed into the first team and saw a lot of his teammates go through a similar slow burn so he will know the benefits of it and that may be his own policy.

Just now, Argo said:

He'll play his part but it will take him a while to be a regular starter with that level of competition.

Also Xavi himself was very far from rushed into the first team and saw a lot of his teammates go through a similar slow burn so he will know the benefits of it and that may be his own policy.

I agree Argo. With Xavi coming in I think Gilmour going to Barca and working under his direction would be the best development he could have even if he played more games for the reserves than the first team.

Sending a technical, creative youngster like Gilmour to a team like Norwich has been a waste of everyone's time.

4 hours ago, Drogba1 said:

Farke was probably the manager most likely to play Gilmour given his playing style

I mean, that's demonstrably false given he did the exact opposite. 

Some rumours it's Lampard who's going to replace Farke at Norwich.

That would sort Gilmours playing time out at least.

3 hours ago, Sindre said:

Some rumours it's Lampard who's going to replace Farke at Norwich.

That would sort Gilmours playing time out at least.

Ha, that was exactly my first thought reading that rumour!

On 07/11/2021 at 20:07, Argo said:

He'll play his part but it will take him a while to be a regular starter with that level of competition.

Also Xavi himself was very far from rushed into the first team and saw a lot of his teammates go through a similar slow burn so he will know the benefits of it and that may be his own policy.

I think he would be on the bench there just like in Norwich. No way he gets picked over Busquets, Gavi, Pedri and De Jong. Specially considering that all of them part from Busquets are the future key players for them. Xavi would surely have a clear preference towards the home-grown talent and he would give Gilmour a shot at the Copa Del Rey...

2 hours ago, Gol15 said:

I think he would be on the bench there just like in Norwich. No way he gets picked over Busquets, Gavi, Pedri and De Jong. Specially considering that all of them part from Busquets are the future key players for them. Xavi would surely have a clear preference towards the home-grown talent and he would give Gilmour a shot at the Copa Del Rey...

Can’t believe some fans think he will actually play at Barca. It’s a non starter with the quality they have in the middle, and there is probably another youngster in La Masia they will prioritise before him. 

Personally don’t think his skill set translates into a good loan at most mid table clubs even. Bar Leeds, Southampton & Brighton, most of these teams play on the counter and require a destroyer in the middle not a deep lying player.

9 hours ago, ducavis said:

Can’t believe some fans think he will actually play at Barca. It’s a non starter with the quality they have in the middle, and there is probably another youngster in La Masia they will prioritise before him. 

Personally don’t think his skill set translates into a good loan at most mid table clubs even. Bar Leeds, Southampton & Brighton, most of these teams play on the counter and require a destroyer in the middle not a deep lying player.

If you re-read the posts ducavis we're not saying he would be a starter at all. Personally I think he would be in and around the first team squad and you're probably right Copa del Rey and substitute appearances may be what he gets. But that is a big step up IMO from sitting on the bench or even playing for a mediocre, struggling team like Norwich.

The big factor in me starting this discussion is the arrival of Xavi at Barca. I cannot think of a better role model, (and a very similar style of player), for Gilmour to work under on a loan deal. Of course there's always the scenario that Barca might not want him or that Chelsea might not like him going on loan to such a high profile European rival.

Edited November 9, 20214 yr by just

On 09/11/2021 at 22:47, just said:

If you re-read the posts ducavis we're not saying he would be a starter at all. Personally I think he would be in and around the first team squad and you're probably right Copa del Rey and substitute appearances may be what he gets. But that is a big step up IMO from sitting on the bench or even playing for a mediocre, struggling team like Norwich.

The big factor in me starting this discussion is the arrival of Xavi at Barca. I cannot think of a better role model, (and a very similar style of player), for Gilmour to work under on a loan deal. Of course there's always the scenario that Barca might not want him or that Chelsea might not like him going on loan to such a high profile European rival.

I have read Barca only have a transfer budget of £10m.

I also think if Billy is to make it Barca under Xavi would be a good place to go.

However making it happen would be tricky as a normal loan with Barca's money challenges seems unlikely.

 

Terrific v Denmark yesterday. He's definitly bulked up a bit too which can only help him.

 

lol

Should be playing every week.

Hopefully Dean Smith gives him a chance to shine.

Starting today!

Assists the winner. 

The Scottish Pirlo strikes again. 

53 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

Assists the winner. 

The Scottish Pirlo strikes again. 

It’s like he should have been playing all season or something!

Rated a 7,5 today on Whoscored, so I assume he had a decent game !

Amazing what happens when you use him properly!

4 hours ago, Munkworth said:

Amazing what happens when you use him properly!

When you don't have a manager who is a Farke idiot.

8 hours ago, Sexyfootball said:

Rated a 7,5 today on Whoscored, so I assume he had a decent game !

Not really, think the assist bumped up his rating. Started as a 10 in the 1st half & was awful, ended the game on the right of a middle 3. Early days but reckon the assist earns  him a couple of PL starts. Still not certain they know what to do with him.

On 21/11/2021 at 03:22, ducavis said:

Not really, think the assist bumped up his rating. Started as a 10 in the 1st half & was awful, ended the game on the right of a middle 3. Early days but reckon the assist earns  him a couple of PL starts. Still not certain they know what to do with him.

Very good v Wolves the other day apparently. 

Didn't see the game myself but great news if so.

With all of the injuries we have had, I can't help but feel that Gilmour would have gotten a lot of game time if we hadn't sent him out on loan. It's pretty much a guarantee that he would have offered more than Saul.

Many in here thought that we were quite light in the midfield with Kante and Kovacic injury history, and argued that Billy Gilmour would have got plenty of game time to develop in the Cups and some games in the PL. This is proving to be true at this moment, he would be fourth in the pecking order and he would have got regular playing time with all the injuries we are having. If there is the possibility of calling him back in January, do it, he can't do worse than Saul.

Absolute dogsh*te today so far. Young lad but I can see why Farke dropped him.

11 hours ago, evissy said:

Absolute dogsh*te today so far. Young lad but I can see why Farke dropped him.

Was he really though? Made 3 key passes joint most along with Watkins & McGinn. He is working with no real quality upfront to be fair