As Frank Lampard’s first season in charge of Chelsea approaches its conclusion, fans have been able to digest the impact the youth players have made throughout the campaign.

Players such as Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Reece James, to name but a few, have all been shining stars in what has been a successful season for the Blues (so far.)

With Chelsea having been under a transfer embargo for the last two windows, Lampard has had to utilise almost all of the players at his disposal.

However, despite making only 11 senior appearances for the club this season, one of Chelsea’s most exciting prospects has already made a name for himself.

His name is Billy Gilmour.

  • Scottish roots

Gilmour, aged just 19 years old, was born in Glasgow and started his footballing career at Scottish giants Rangers.

He spent eight years at their academy before Chelsea had an offer of around £500,000 accepted for the youngster in 2017, according to Sky Sports.

Gilmour featured for the Chelsea under-18 side in his season at the academy and signed a professional contract with the Blues in 2018.

He made a total of 32 appearances in all competitions for the academy last season, scoring nine and assisting six.

It was clear to see that he had the potential to make it into the first team.

  • Breakthrough

The arrival of Lampard as boss meant that Gilmour made his first senior appearance for Chelsea in a pre-season friendly away at Bohemians last summer.

Since then, he has gone on to make many more appearances for the Blues.

His Premier League debut came in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge where he came on as a substitute.

Gilmour then went on to play the full game in Chelsea’s 7-1 win against Grimsby Town in the League Cup.

Before the postponement of football due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Gilmour produced man of the match performances against Liverpool in the FA Cup and Everton in the league.

Lampard’s faith has proven itself, and Gilmour is now a permanent member of the Chelsea first team.

  • Setback

Since the restart, Gilmour made four appearances for the Blues but unfortunately suffered a knee injury in the win at Crystal Palace.

Since then, he has had surgery and is looking at a lengthy spell on the side-lines as he recovers.

In response to the injury, Lampard told the Chelsea website: “He was in at the training ground on Sunday on his crutches.

“I’m confident with Billy he’ll do everything right and let’s hope that he comes back as soon as possible.”

When he’s played, Gilmour has been very prominent within the centre of pitch for the Blues.

He always looks very comfortable on the ball and is always keen to start or continue an attack.

Before his injury, his was competing with the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kanté and Mateo Kovačić for a place in midfield.

Chelsea fans will be very keen to see him return to the squad as soon as possible, even if it’s at the start of next season.

From what he’s produced on the pitch so far, there are no doubts that he will go to the very top for the Blues.

It is just a case now of waiting and seeing what Lampard’s plans are for him, and whether or not he can guide Chelsea to trophy success next season.

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