Billy Gilmour should stay at Chelsea for the upcoming season

Chelsea’s young star in the making, Billy Gilmour, should stay at Stamford Bridge for the 2021/22 campaign, as opposed to going out on loan. The thought of sending Gilmour out on loan has been bandied about as it is for many of the Blues’ academy players. At times, it may make sense, but in Gilmour’s case, he should be kept in SW6. He’s too good a young player to be sent out unless manager Thomas Tuchel is determined not to play the young Scot at all. While it’s hard not to respect the opinion of the Champions League winner, it would be a poor decision by the gaffer.

Chelsea’s situation is strong in defensive midfield. Not only do the Blues have the best in the world in N’Golo Kante, but they also have two additional top players in Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho. Nevertheless, with Kante entering into what will be his age 31 season, his pitch time needs to be judiciously managed. Chelsea has the strength in depth to do just that. Unless a player like Declan Rice is finally added to the midfield without anyone else leaving, there is really no reason not to keep Gilmour at the Bridge.

Keeping Billy Gilmour at Stamford Bridge makes perfect sense for Chelsea

Guaranteeing Gilmour ample time on the pitch in one or two cup competitions makes great sense. It’s not like there will be a huge drop-off in play if Gilmour is given a substantial role. The young midfielder is a superb player in all aspects of the defensive midfield role. He can tackle, make interceptions, dribble, track back with his terrific work rate and blast the ball forward, as well as pass brilliantly at all times. Gilmour is a complete midfielder. It should not be forgotten that he claimed Man of the Match awards in two consecutive games in the 2019/20 season. That’s a huge accomplishment for seasoned veterans never mind a 20-year-old (Note: He was 18 at the time).

It will certainly be interesting to see how Gilmour performs in the Euros. If he gets playing time, he will excel against any and all competition. This young man has all the attributes—save height—to be a top star in the Premier League. That being said, height isn’t always a detriment, as players like Lionel Messi have demonstrated perfectly clearly. Height is only a detriment if one lets it be one. Gilmour doesn’t and it’s obvious. Once Gilmour matures a bit more physically, he will take on the players of a larger stature. He may be small in size, but he is large where it counts most, in heart, in guts and in determination. Most importantly, Gilmour is a winner, with a capital “W”.

Chelsea should keep Gilmour in the first team next season. Use him in the squad and prepare him for the day when he will step into a starting role permanently and never look back.

What do you think the Blues should do with Gilmour? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!