According to the reports from London Football News as cited by Nottingham Post, Leeds United are keeping track of Chelsea’s youngster Billy Gilmour. Along with the Whites, Nottingham Forest are also said to be interested in the 18-year-old for a possible loan move in January.
Gilmour came up from Rangers’ academy and moved to the Stamford Bridge just two years ago. The young midfielder has even made an appearance for Chelsea in the Premier League this season as he played the final few minutes of the tie against Sheffield United. The midfielder is also a Scotland u-21 international.
The youngster has even been in included in Chelsea’s Champions League squad, so that is a testament to how highly Frank Lampard rates him. The midfielder had earlier indicated that he wants to move away from Chelsea on loan to get some game time. Gilmour had said (BBC), “I need to play more first-team games, at Chelsea or maybe out on loan. I need to get more experience.”
However, recent reports from the Sun mentions that Lampard has refused to listen to Gilmour’s case and the Chelsea boss believes that he will be better off fighting for his place at Stamford Bridge. Therefore it is unclear now whether the likes of Leeds United or Nottingham Forest will get a chance to land him in January.
What can Gilmour bring at Elland Road?
Gilmour has two senior team appearances for the Blues and Lampard wanting to keep him at the Bridge suggests that he feels that the youngster will have some role to play. The Scotsman is seen as an exceptional talent as he is calm and comfortable on the ball. He can either play in central midfield or as a defensive midfielder; bit reminiscent to the role of a deep-lying playmaker instead of just a midfield disruptor. His passing range and vision are his standout assets, and Gilmour also showcases quick feet and decent dribbling skills to get out of tight spaces.
How might Bielsa use him?
At Leeds United, he might start in the middle or as a defensive midfielder. The Whites are short in defence, so maybe Kalvin Phillips might have to play a few games at the back, and then someone like Gilmour can fill in for him in defensive midfield.
There is no doubt to us that he will be a quality addition for the Whites as he will bring depth to the squad. Bielsa doesn’t have a natural replacement for Phillips so Gilmour can be a handy addition. However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will allow their young ace to leave on loan. After all, the last time a player from Chelsea came on loan to Leeds, it did not end so great.
