‘I love him’–Joe Cole hails Chelsea ‘outstanding’ star but says tough decision must be made
Joe Cole hailed Billy Gilmour after the youngster’s return to the Chelsea starting line-up.
Gilmour, back in action after a knee injury, played the full 90 minutes of the Champions League game against FK Krasnodar.
Former Chelsea star Cole is a huge fan of the young midfielder.
Speaking on BT Sport, Cole said: “I love his kid. The way he just shifts players in, body movement – he’s very, very sharp. His head’s on a swivel all the time, which I like.
“I remember him watching videos of Cesc Fabregas in the morning before training of his own accord because he wants to improve.
“It would have killed him, being injured, because he’s one of them that loves the job. He’s competitive, gets to players and has a lovely awareness of what’s around him. He’s such a good player.”
Chelsea must now decide whether to let Gilmour leave on loan for the second half of the season in order for him to get more first-team experience.
It’s a tough decision as he could be needed if the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante get injured.
Cole said: “It’s a question now of whether Chelsea make a club decision to let him go on loan to get games, or keep him in there because he’s needed – if Jorginho gets an injury or Kante gets an injury then he’s needed.
“It’s a decision the club have to make now about what to do with him.”
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was full of praise for Gilmour after the game.
.“I thought Billy was outstanding,” Lampard said at his post-match press conference.
“The way he played and how he trains, I see him growing with us. He’s going to be a Chelsea player, it’s just about making sure the pathway is right for him.”