BILLY GILMOUR could one day become the new N’Golo Kante at the heart of Chelsea’s team.
So says team-mate Mason Mount who has been blown away by the midfielder’s mature performances in the past week.
Gilmour added to his Man of the Match role in the FA Cup win over Liverpool by playing a starring role in his first Premier League start against Everton on Sunday.
The teenage Scot has already shown his versatility and durability with the way he handles the rough stuff in a game.
Mount said: “I know what he is as a player, as a boy. I am very close to him so I know what character he has.
“I had no doubts about him coming in, stepping up and performing like the way he has in the last two games. I have massive confidence in him and he shows it when he comes up out onto the pitch.
“He’s played in that holding role, where he’s been very good. Probably the holding role, he is very comfortable on the ball and he is very confident. That’s probably his best position.
“He is very grounded. He has got a very, very good family around him and he is a very screwed on boy so that won’t get to him at all. I won’t let it get to him as well – I’ll keep him grounded! No, he’ll be fine.
“The young players coming through are going to have these challenges. It is obviously a big achievement to make it into the first team, to start a game at home at Stamford Bridge.”
Gilmour sat in front of Chelsea’s back four in Sunday’s 4-0 triumph. Kante is out with an ongoing abductor injury and there is no date set for his return.
Chelsea’s newest star has filled Kante’s position with ease and the two players also boast similar physical attributes in that they are short and wiry but tough as they come.
Mount said: “The way my debut went here was very good. I scored but Billy has stepped up and done brilliantly. He’s come into the team, been dominant, been confident on the ball and that’s what you want.
“I always see myself as a number eight because I like to do the other side of the game as well, not just going forward and attacking. I’ve played No10 throughout my career, I’ve always gone in between so I don’t mind now.”
