Billy Gilmour is assured, attack-minded and tough despite his 5ft 7in frame... the Chelsea midfielder has everything to forge a good career

• e-mail

Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star.

This week, the lowdown is on 18-year-old Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour. 

Gilmour is valued at £2.5million and has made 5 appearances in all competitions so far this season for the Blues... 

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour is the latest player to be assessed by the Secret Scout

The Scottish midfielder has established himself as one to watch from the Blues academy

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

This young Scot looks destined for a good career but he knows he faces fierce competition at Chelsea. On a cold and windy night he was the hub of an enthusiastic and well-coached Under 23 side who pressed in outstanding fashion from the front. 

Gilmour — playing from the base of a midfield triangle — was at the centre of all good things in a team which exuded athleticism and skilful interchanging. Taking every opportunity to move upfield from deep, Gilmour found his forward players with early, accurate passes. 

Rarely caught in possession, he showed toughness at close quarters and his low centre of gravity and determination helped to extricate him from tight situations. He likes a tackle and has no fear of bigger and more muscular opponents. A right-footed player at around 5ft 7in, as captain he showed leadership and urged his colleagues on with a supportive voice.

Despite his diminutive frame, Gilmour is a tough battling midfielder with added guile

What I really liked was that — although he was the deepest midfielder — he was able to use his team’s ball retention to join in attacks. 

I saw him regularly up in support on the edge of the opposition penalty box. He battled in the air and was not disturbed by the fact that he was not winning any of his heading duels. He is what I call a midfield ‘buzzer’ in a team full of vibrant performers.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

His physique may work against him in the long run. That said, a host of diminutive midfielders have succeeded in the past. Many managers look to tall imposing figures at the base of their midfield, particularly good headers of the ball and as much of a tackler as a passer.

With this in mind, maybe Gilmour could be used further forward?

Certainly, what I saw here left me in no doubt that with good fortune he will find a pathway to a positive career.

An interesting future beckons.