Former Rangers star Ally McCoist gives a glowing verdict of Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour. (GETTY Images)
Speaking to Sky Sports (h/t football.london), Thomas Tuchel explained that Billy Gilmour started for Chelsea against Fulham because of his commitment shown in training sessions and due to fitness concerns for his side.
The Scottish midfielder has found gametime tough to come by under Tuchel ever since his appointment. The former PSG boss even stopped a loan move for Gilmour at the end of the January transfer window.
But the Scotland U-21 international has only featured against Sheffield United and Barnsley in the FA Cup under Tuchel this season. And moreover, he started no games in the Premier League during this campaign. (h/t football.london)
Nevertheless, he was one of 5 changes that the German gaffer made to his starting XI against the Cottagers. And the 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes in an emphatic 2-0 win for Chelsea, courtesy of a Kai Havertz brace.
Tuchel stated before the game that it was necessary to rest midfielders N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, which is why Gilmour got the nod. Not just that, but the manager was also impressed by the youngster’s attitude in training.
“Hopefully, he does what he does in training. This is why he deserves to start. It is also because of the fact we wanted to give Jorgi and N’Golo a well-deserved rest. But this is how it is as a young player, you wait for your opportunity and we’ve put him in a position where he feels comfortable.”
Speaking further, Tuchel added why Gilmour is not being used so frequently. He said that it was because he did not want to overwork the teenager.
“He’s waited long, worked hard, and I don’t want him to overdo stuff. It’s pretty exciting for him…”
It is unlikely that Gilmour starts against Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. The Blues have an important away goal to take to Stamford Bridge as the tie rests at 1-1.
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