The former Rangers youth academy star had some unexpected words for longtime Celtic captain Scott Brown after switching to Chelsea back in 2017.
Billy Gilmour had his breakout performance against Liverpool in the 5th round of the FA Cup in midweek. He was adjudged the Man of the Match after the 18-year-old completely bossed the midfield against the European champions and soon to be Premier League champions, and it looks like the media is finally taking notice of the Scottish wonderkid.
For long, Gilmour’s talents have been compared with the likes of legends like Andre Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Luka Modric, and it was clear to see why on Tuesday. After putting in a performance like that, one can only expect that he will be given more opportunities and if the early promise is anything to go by, then one day he can be a regular fixture in the Scottish national team.
Despite having spent eight years in the Rangers youth ranks, Gilmour left the Ibrox outfit before ever having the opportunity to make his first-team debut. Still, one would not expect him to have too many compliments regarding any Celtic players. But that’s just what he did almost immediately after leaving the Ibrox outfit.
Speaking with The Scotsman, the Scottish youngster said:
"“If I’d matched myself up against Scott Brown, for instance, he’d bully me for a full game. He’s the best midfielder in Scotland by far so if I had to go up against him, I’d have no chance. Maybe technically, I’d be OK. But in terms of running about and pushing him off the ball – no chance.“So that’s the way I looked at it. Would I have been ready at that stage? The answer would have been no.”"
Judging by his comments, it is pretty clear that Gilmour is a student of the game. And can be expected to go a long way in football if he can remain injury free and progressing at his current rate.
Thankfully, he has Frank Lampard as his manager at Chelsea, not many people would know how to get the best out of a midfielder. After all, he was always better than Steven Gerrard, isn’t it?