In
an exclusive interview with
Sky Sports, Chelsea teenager Billy
Gilmour reveals his footballing inspiration, gives an insight into his
sensational display against Liverpool - and reveals his modelling pedigree.
The 18-year-old has caught the eye with mature midfield performances for
Frank Lampard's youthful Chelsea side, with
Sky Sports pundit Roy
Keane even singing his praises after his Premier League debut against
Everton.
He said: "When I was young I used to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel
Messi - everyone did. But when I started to analyse my game and think about
who I would like to progress to be like, it was more like Andres Iniesta,
Xavi, Cesc Fabregas - it was those players.
"It was something about how they passed the ball, receiving the ball,
everything was sharp. Sergio Busquets too; when you watch Barcelona and you
watch Busquets individually, everything happens around him.
"Those are the kind of players I looked up to, getting on the ball and
making things happen."
Gilmour began his career at the Rangers academy in his native Scotland,
before moving to London as a 16-year-old in July 2017. Less than three years
later, and he is already involved in Chelsea's senior set-up.
Reflecting on the move, he said: "When I was at Rangers, the youth coaches
were amazing and helped me a lot. I went to a performance school in Scotland
where you do individual training at an academy, so instead of going to a
Geography class, you go and play football in that period.
"My Dad played football too and always told me to keep it simple, work hard,
and you can't go wrong.
"At the time [when moving to Chelsea], I didn't really know what was going
to happen. But when I went down, saw everything and they had a plan, it was
unbelievable. It was a dream. I always wanted to go and play in the Premier
League to test myself and see what my limit is.
"When I first came, I'd say I was more of an attacking midfielder, and then
Jody Morris turned me into a deeper player. To get on the ball and start
play is best for me, but I am happy playing anywhere."
'I didn't want to muck anything up'
It was an FA Cup game against Liverpool in March that really thrust Gilmour
into the spotlight. On just his third start of the season and against one of
England's best teams, he marshalled the midfield with experience beyond his
years as Chelsea won 2-0.
A few days later, the 18-year-old was handed his full Premier League debut
in a Super Sunday encounter with Everton - rejuvenated under Carlo Ancelotti
- but Gilmour produced a man-of-the-match performance to sweep another
Merseyside visitor aside.
"Leading up to the games, I was always thinking about what I'm going to do,"
he said. "When the gaffer spoke to me, he said; 'Go out and play your own
game', that gives you a lot of confidence to go out and do what you love.
"Playing in the game [against Liverpool], there were parts that I felt were
difficult, but when I got on the ball I felt good. I had players running
off, so it was making it easy for me.
"It was a great, great game so I was happy to play well. And then receiving
the man of the match, it was amazing. I never thought of it, I just wanted
to play the game well, not muck up anything, and play the game right.
"To get first-team experience against Liverpool, the best team in the world
right now, felt good."
So could a call up to the senior Scotland squad be next?
"Everyone knows my feelings about representing my country," Gilmour said.
"Hopefully I'm not far off it. I just need to keep working hard and see
where it takes me.
"After the Liverpool game, I swapped shirts with Andy Robertson. He came up
to me after the game and said 'well done, you played really well, keep doing
it and hopefully see you soon in the first-team squad'.
"That was great to hear that from the captain of the country. I then asked
him if we could swap shirts and he said 'no problem, let's do it inside' so
that was me buzzing."
'I've modelled for Burberry!'
He is impressing on the pitch but off it, Gilmour might have been a
full-time model.
In a fun Q&A with Redknapp, the teenager recalls having once modelled for
British fashion brand Burberry.
"I got a phone call from my agent, saying he got a call from Burberry asking
if I'd like to do modelling," he explained. "So my Dad phoned me and asked,
and I'm giving a bit back saying 'ah yeah, of course!', having some banter
with him.
"And then I get a phone call from my agent saying 'OK we'll be meeting up
with Burberry tomorrow then.' And I said 'why is that?' and my agent said
'did you Dad not tell you?'. I thought he was kidding!
"So I ended up doing a few shoots for Burberry. It was good, but I got a bit
of stick.
"I was going home one day from Heathrow or Gatwick, and there's a Burberry
shop there. I was walking to my flight, and up on the billboard, there I am.
I had to take a picture and send it to my Dad!"
Redknapp's view: Gilmour a big talent
"I've spoken to Frank Lampard and Jody Morris about Billy; they've waxed
lyrical about this young man - how down-to-earth he is, wants to learn,
great attitude on and off the pitch - and, especially, talent.
"You don't want to heap too much pressure on young players but he's so
talented on the ball. He looks so comfortable; the minute he moves, he
manipulates it. He mentioned that he loves the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and
Fabregas; you can see it in his game.
"The fundamentals of what he does are really good. I love how he plays round
the corner into the frontman, wants to receive the ball, always available.
"He's a big talent for Chelsea and Scotland going forward - and a really
well-rounded kid."
top