Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour shines in his introduction to international football
Wee Billy Gilmour, Billy “Ballon d’Or” Gilmour, the Scottish Iniesta and Billy Balboa—those are just some of the nicknames that Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour has been given over the last few seasons. There were question marks surrounding the Scottish squad heading into the “2020” European Championships, most notably the status of a particular 5-foot-7 midfielder. Steve Clarke somewhat controversially selected the Blues’ academy product, despite Gilmour having no experience with the Tartan Army’s senior side.
It was music to Chelsea supports’ ears when they found out their favorite Scot had made the 26-man roster for the Euros. A huge doubt remained though as it seemed a long-shot for the youngster to get much time on the pitch. You can only imagine the reaction when Clarke released the starting XI for Scotland’s clash with its oldest and fiercest rivals, England, and it featured the Ardrossan native. Gilmour was handed his introduction to international football at Wembley Stadium where he put on an absolute clinic in front of a hostile crowd.
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Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour earned Man of the Match honors in his international debut against England.
Gilmour started off the match a bit shakily as he was pressed by Chelsea teammate Mason Mount any time he found himself on the ball. The two went head-to-head nearly all match, a true treat for the Blues faithful. Nevertheless, the young Scot was not fazed by his more experienced counterpart. It took a little bit of time, but Gilmour settled in and grew into the game. From there, until his substitution in the 76′, Gilmour ran the show for England’s noisy, northern neighbors. This was especially impressive considering the fact that—despite lacking experience—Gilmour looked comfortable taking his place in the middle of the park and distributing the ball through one of the most complete midfields in the world.
Gilmour was named Man of the Match after the historic rivals played out to a goalless draw. There were many others who could’ve taken home the award, such as Jordan Pickford or Mount for England, as well as the entire Scottish back three. Yet, it was the midfielder who turned 20 last week, playing in his first international contest, who ran away with it. The nerves didn’t phase the minuscule maestro. Gilmour can now proudly place the silverware amongst his collection of trophies, which includes awards of a similar nature from his first starts in the Premier League and FA Cup.
In a weird way, Gilmour is a slightly younger version of his club companion that he clashed with on Friday. Mount has built a reputation of forcing his way into teams and letting his play do all of the talking for him. Gilmour is the same way. Of course, he didn’t get many chances under new manager Thomas Tuchel due to the extreme hole the gaffer had to dig the Blues out of. That will change next season. The German was so impressed with Gilmour that he wanted the youngster to remain in SW6 when given the option of searching for a loan that’d get the midfielder more minutes. Gilmour is inching closer the point of no return. Sooner or later, the coaches of his club and country will be left with no choice but to start him regularly—there is no doubt in my mind.
He may not be the flashiest or the most athletic, his gameplay and skillset aren’t the sexiest, Gilmour is just a natural. You cannot put a price on heart and hustle, two qualities he possesses in plenty. If there was any doubt after his performances versus Liverpool and Everton before lockdown or subsequent showings thereafter, there are no questions left. Gilmour is the real deal.
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