Chelsea talent Gilmour names shock Man Utd star as trickiest opponent

Fred, Scott McTominay Manchester United

Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour has identified a Manchester United opponent as the toughest he’s faced in his fledgling career – and it’s not the player you’d probably expect.

The young Scottish star made his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge last season. He featured 11 times as then-Blues boss Frank Lampard showed he was happy to put his faith in youth.

This season has been slightly slower progress for Gilmour. Just six appearances have been made and it was suggested he could be allowed to leave on loan.

However, new boss Thomas Tuchel opted to keep the teenager. Here, the German explained his reasons behind keeping Gilmour on board.

Gilmour is clearly a big talent in the making. Despite wholesome praise from his manager, the 19-year-old admits he has plenty of admiration for another young Scotland international in Scott McTominay.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official YouTube channel, Gilmour, when asked who was his trickiest opponent, said: “It was against Manchester United, actually. It was Scott McTominay.

“I know he’s fellow Scottish and all that but he was so good, quick, strong and technically good. So, I think it was tough playing against him.

“He played really good, He was stopping everything in midfield and controlling the game.”


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Tuchel promises Gilmour chances

Tuchel, meanwhile, has suggested Gilmour won’t have long to wait for his chance at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham v Chelsea Match Preview, February 04, 2021

Tottenham v Chelsea Match Preview, February 04, 2021

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“In the opposite sense, we decided to keep Tino Anjorin and Billy Gilmour with the group. Because I like a lot of what I see from the two guys.

“Billy is very, very close [to the side] in terms of quality, work ethic and personality. He is very, very close.

“So we decided very very quickly, it was not even a decision. It was simply clear that we go with this group going forward.”

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