Football News

Mount explains why Keane’s praise for ‘world-class’ Billy Gilmour won’t go to Chelsea youngster’s head

By Ben Green

Published: 13:43, 10 March 2020

Mason Mount believes Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour won’t allow the pressure of his burgeoning reputation to hinder his progress.

The Scottish teenager has risen to prominence this past week after putting in two man-of-the-match performances for Frank Lampard’s side.

Gilmour’s sudden rise: Five things to know…

  • Gilmour has featured seven times for Chelsea this season, but has gained serious attention in the past two games.
  • The Scotland U21 international produced two stellar performances as Chelsea beat Liverpool and Everton.
  • Against Everton, the Glaswegian made more passes (80) than any player on the pitch.
  • He has come into the side on account of Jorginho’s recent suspension, as well as injuries to N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
  • Mount believes Gilmour has the mental resilience to continue performing at such a high standard.

With Jorginho currently suspended both domestically and in Europe, the former Rangers midfielder has been utilised by Lampard at the base of his midfield.

Since stepping into the Chelsea first-team, Gilmour has received widespread plaudits for his role in wins over Liverpool and, more recently, a 4-0 thrashing of Everton.

The diminutive 18-year-old excelled against both Merseyside clubs and is now expected to play a key part for the Blues in the coming months and beyond.

Still in his embryonic years, Gilmour is showing no signs of unease in front of the global spotlight, and Mount believes his teammate will keep his feet firmly on the ground despite the recent praise.

“He is very grounded,” Mount told reporters. “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.”

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Keane: I thought he was like a world-class player

One of the more illustrious admirers of the young Scot has been Manchester United legend Roy Keane, who believes Chelsea’s wonderkid has all the hallmarks of a world-class player.

In his role as a pundit for Sky Sports before the Everton game, he said: “From his performance the other night, he was fantastic. As the game started, I literally got out of my seat – which I very rarely do – and I thought, ‘Who is this kid in midfield?’

“There are certain traits you want from a midfielder; quality on the ball, football intelligence, composure, he had everything.

“It was one of the best performances I’ve seen in a long, long time. The downside for the kid is he needs to back it up, he’s started so well.

“His general play, the way the game started I thought he was like a world-class player.

“I thought he was one of their experienced lads, I kept a close eye on him for the rest of the game and everything he did throughout the game had quality written all over it.

“He’s a small kid but has a big composure about him.”