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.
Speaking to Jamie Redknapp on The Football Show, Gilmour revealed the continental stars who had inspired him at a young age.
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'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!"
Andy_Mac
0
Personally when I do put Xavi/Xabi Alonso with Gilmour in the same sentence, it's to compare playstyle and see which suits him best rather than actually compare the player as the "next whoever". I'm actually not a fan of the whole "Next ...." thing. But I do see parallels in playstyle like with Pulisic having an Eden Hazard style to him or Odoi playing more direct in a Ronaldo style manor (Remember that run last pre-season against Bellerin) and similarly Gilmour gives those Xavi vibes with his style of play but neither of these players are anywhere near those players at all. But importance is the emphasis on the playstyles cos that is relevant when building a balanced team youd want a techy player like Pulisic on 1 wing and a direct sharp player like Hudson on the other for example and have a elegant midfielder like Gilmour in the middle. These kids if anything are underrated now that people are calling them overrated which kinda balances it out as what they should be, neutral. They belong in Neutral so not quite there but huge potential but the last word I'd use is overrated. For me overrated is someone like Willian who has been at the club for years and boasts just a few more goals than Jesse Lingard who's 1 of the worst players I've seen. When it comes to promoted youth products it's way to early to call anyone overrated. Once they're about 25 then we can start talking about who's overrated and who isnt imo.
I think rival fans might mean to call our players overhyped instead of overrated. Those are two terms which people can mix up very easily. Some players like Barkley, Gilmour, Hudson-Odoi and Zouma were overhyped in the sense that they were given too much early praise even though their performances were never quite justifying it over a long period. Willian, Jorginho and Christensen are what you'd call overrated players. They were rated pretty highly by so many football fans and pundits by never quite contribute enough as people think they do. Overhype doesn't mean that the player is bad, it just means that they get far more praise than is required really. If a player is overrated, it means he's not as good as the average football fan may think he is.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
Gilmour deserves the praise no doubt. He's a fantastic player but the comparisons with Xavi and Iniesta is quite ridiculous. Gilmour can't reach their level until he puts in the kind of consistent performances they did for years. So I would rather people not make these kinds of comparisons and just let the kid get on with his game. I want him to get the praise and attention for good performances but I don't want him to be compared with legends already. It's only 2 games and just too early. Maybe after 3-4 years, then we can start talking about whether he can reach legendary status in the future but not at the age of 18 😂 And you know my thoughts on Gilmour. I want him to play the next match ahead of Kanté because he deserves it on pure merit.
Personally when I do put Xavi/Xabi Alonso with Gilmour in the same sentence, it's to compare playstyle and see which suits him best rather than actually compare the player as the "next whoever". I'm actually not a fan of the whole "Next ...." thing. But I do see parallels in playstyle like with Pulisic having an Eden Hazard style to him or Odoi playing more direct in a Ronaldo style manor (Remember that run last pre-season against Bellerin) and similarly Gilmour gives those Xavi vibes with his style of play but neither of these players are anywhere near those players at all. But importance is the emphasis on the playstyles cos that is relevant when building a balanced team youd want a techy player like Pulisic on 1 wing and a direct sharp player like Hudson on the other for example and have a elegant midfielder like Gilmour in the middle. These kids if anything are underrated now that people are calling them overrated which kinda balances it out as what they should be, neutral. They belong in Neutral so not quite there but huge potential but the last word I'd use is overrated. For me overrated is someone like Willian who has been at the club for years and boasts just a few more goals than Jesse Lingard who's 1 of the worst players I've seen. When it comes to promoted youth products it's way to early to call anyone overrated. Once they're about 25 then we can start talking about who's overrated and who isnt imo.
Andy_Mac
0
It's there bro but English media do it a bit more. Actually Gilmour wont get the hype anymore cos hes not even English, the hype he did get was well warranted cos he got 2 MOTM awards back to back. If some United young player did that they'd call him world class lol. If anything the media hand was forced in Gilmour case cos his 2 games were actually that amazing. Hes nowhere near the tier of Xavi, Iniesta or Fabregas but what's important is to know that the potential is there and that we have a very versatile player on our hands...
Gilmour deserves the praise no doubt. He's a fantastic player but the comparisons with Xavi and Iniesta is quite ridiculous. Gilmour can't reach their level until he puts in the kind of consistent performances they did for years. So I would rather people not make these kinds of comparisons and just let the kid get on with his game. I want him to get the praise and attention for good performances but I don't want him to be compared with legends already. It's only 2 games and just too early. Maybe after 3-4 years, then we can start talking about whether he can reach legendary status in the future but not at the age of 18 😂 And you know my thoughts on Gilmour. I want him to play the next match ahead of Kanté because he deserves it on pure merit.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
This is a problem in general with the English media. They hype up players in the PL too much. I don't like it. I don't see this kind of hype with Bundesliga or even Serie A players
It's there bro but English media do it a bit more. Actually Gilmour wont get the hype anymore cos hes not even English, the hype he did get was well warranted cos he got 2 MOTM awards back to back. If some United young player did that they'd call him world class lol. If anything the media hand was forced in Gilmour case cos his 2 games were actually that amazing. Hes nowhere near the tier of Xavi, Iniesta or Fabregas but what's important is to know that the potential is there and that we have a very versatile player on our hands...
Andy_Mac
0
Okay, thanks a lot
You're welcome. 🙂
urboring
1
If you call a player overrated, it means they're average players who are thought of as excellent players. Gilmour and Greenwood are fantastic players so they can't be overrated. But the comparisons create the hype so overhype is correct
Okay, thanks a lot
Andy_Mac
0
But does overrated work?
If you call a player overrated, it means they're average players who are thought of as excellent players. Gilmour and Greenwood are fantastic players so they can't be overrated. But the comparisons create the hype so overhype is correct
Andy_Mac
0
Yeah… overhyped!
This is a problem in general with the English media. They hype up players in the PL too much. I don't like it. I don't see this kind of hype with Bundesliga or even Serie A players
urboring
0
What makes him overrated is his fans, I mean Chelsea's, they just talk as if he is fabregas, Brandon has been ignored! While greenwood has got more than what he does, by us, man utd fans, so according to performances, Gilmour and greenwood are impressive, but their fans judges them too early, so this is what I mean
Their fans judged*
urboring
0
I agree with you on that. We shouldn't call them overrated. The word is overhyped. Even I didn't like the hype on Gilmour. It's not right to compare him with Xavi, Iniesta or even Fàbregas because they're footballing greats who showed their consistency for years.
But does overrated work?
urboring
0
I agree with you on that. We shouldn't call them overrated. The word is overhyped. Even I didn't like the hype on Gilmour. It's not right to compare him with Xavi, Iniesta or even Fàbregas because they're footballing greats who showed their consistency for years.
Yeah… overhyped!
urboring
0
I agree with you on that. We shouldn't call them overrated. The word is overhyped. Even I didn't like the hype on Gilmour. It's not right to compare him with Xavi, Iniesta or even Fàbregas because they're footballing greats who showed their consistency for years.
This is what I meant exactly
Andy_Mac
0
What makes him overrated is his fans, I mean Chelsea's, they just talk as if he is fabregas, Brandon has been ignored! While greenwood has got more than what he does, by us, man utd fans, so according to performances, Gilmour and greenwood are impressive, but their fans judges them too early, so this is what I mean
I agree with you on that. We shouldn't call them overrated. The word is overhyped. Even I didn't like the hype on Gilmour. It's not right to compare him with Xavi, Iniesta or even Fàbregas because they're footballing greats who showed their consistency for years.
urboring
0
Boring comment, I can only sense hatred, Gilmour is way way better than Flopba
You're true, Billy is better than overrated pogba'
urboring
0
Boring comment, I can only sense hatred, Gilmour is way way better than Flopba
It is non of pogba's business, he has been criticized and he deserves that
urboring
0
You don't seem to understand anything we say because you're probably still learning the sport. If Gilmour is overrated because of a couple of good performances, then even Greenwood and Brandon Williams are 🙏🏻
What makes him overrated is his fans, I mean Chelsea's, they just talk as if he is fabregas, Brandon has been ignored! While greenwood has got more than what he does, by us, man utd fans, so according to performances, Gilmour and greenwood are impressive, but their fans judges them too early, so this is what I mean
Codcklr
0
Gilmour is a Chelsea superstar that shall blossom within the next one and there shall be no stopping him. See him when combining with Mount,Pulicic,Abrahams, Ziyech. That is why,Chelsea needs, jut 3 more cutting edge players, like Jodan Sancho,Coutinho,Timo Werner,to complete the incisive frontline,for the Blues. At the back,Chelsea must sign Telles and Upenecano, to bolster the walls that shall protect Kepa at the goals. Allow Emerson,Giroud,Pedro and,maybe Joginho,to move on to other clubs,to open space for the lads,I've mentioned,above.
thank you sir
hidcikrz
0
Gilmour is overrated
Boring comment, I can only sense hatred, Gilmour is way way better than Flopba
hidcikrz
0
Gilmour is more of a Xavi type imo. His best use of abilities is probably to function similar to him as a CM in a 3 imo. But when he played against Liverpool and Everton, his most compatible player was probably Xabi Alonso in playstyle. Ironically hes not as compatible with Iniesta even though he is good at moving the ball and with it. I think he should aspire to become a player like Xavi at Chelsea. . Note: I'm not saying hes the same level as these players so dont come out with some outlandish claims accusing me of such. Hes 10 years to early to be level with any of them but stylistically is what I'm basing this on not him being "the next x or y".
He's got it all, in a few years time he'll be awesome.
Andy_Mac
0
I didn't understand
You don't seem to understand anything we say because you're probably still learning the sport. If Gilmour is overrated because of a couple of good performances, then even Greenwood and Brandon Williams are 🙏🏻
Gunners4ever❤
0
At least, mctominay isn't a one season wonder
So isn't Gilmour
urboring
1
In Portugal. And this is an academy kid who's impressing so calling him overrated is dumb. It's like me saying Greenwoods is overrated cos Tammy Abraham has more goals. It's just sheer nonsense.
Bruno is one of the best playmakers in the world, he is complete and is never overrated, while Gilmour has not done what bruno has done! And, comparing him to bruno is unrealistic because he one is a playmaker while Billy is a defensive mid, and also, Bruno has had more game time, while Gilmour played for 180 minutes
urboring
1
So this contradicts your statement cos McTominay was average when he appeared but in 2 seasons became "good" yet you want to write off Billy after 2 games who started off impressive and will only get better.
At least, mctominay isn't a one season wonder
urboring
1
Did you watch him? At least one of his two recent games?
His performance was great , but 2 matches isn't enough to judge him, chalsea fans are gogving him more than what he deserves, that is why I call him overrated
urboring
1
In Portugal. And this is an academy kid who's impressing so calling him overrated is dumb. It's like me saying Greenwoods is overrated cos Tammy Abraham has more goals. It's just sheer nonsense.
I didn't understand
Nesaiknruy_Legend
3
No he is not, Mc is amazing, and he has been an important player for 2 seasons, he has great abilities
So this contradicts your statement cos McTominay was average when he appeared but in 2 seasons became "good" yet you want to write off Billy after 2 games who started off impressive and will only get better.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
2
Ya, Bruno has been shining for seasons, while Gilmour might be a one season wonder
In Portugal. And this is an academy kid who's impressing so calling him overrated is dumb. It's like me saying Greenwoods is overrated cos Tammy Abraham has more goals. It's just sheer nonsense.
urboring
0
Did you watch him? At least one of his two recent games?
Yes, against Everton
Gunners4ever❤
1
Maybe, but I didn't like his performances, why I don't know, I don't hate Chelsea, I just love lampard
Did you watch him? At least one of his two recent games?
urboring
1
At the same time it's way too early to call Gilmour overrated.
Maybe, but I didn't like his performances, why I don't know, I don't hate Chelsea, I just love lampard
Gunners4ever❤
1
No he is not, Mc is amazing, and he has been an important player for 2 seasons, he has great abilities
At the same time it's way too early to call Gilmour overrated.
urboring
1
10 times better than your overrated Bruno
-10 times, negative ha, which means Bruno is 10 times better
urboring
1
Better than McTominay
No he is not, Mc is amazing, and he has been an important player for 2 seasons, he has great abilities
urboring
1
200 times better than bruno
Wow!
urboring
1
Gilmour is overrated for 2 games coming up straight from the youth academy notably against Liverpool. Bruno is amazing for like 5 games as an experienced head. United fan logic
Ya, Bruno has been shining for seasons, while Gilmour might be a one season wonder
urboring
1
Coming from a United fan, this is the single most hypocritical statement made on this app. The fanbase that hype up their players for doing the basics and even once called Martial a Balon Dor winner 😥
Can you explain again I didn't understand .
Nesaiknruy_Legend
2
Gilmour is more of a Xavi type imo. His best use of abilities is probably to function similar to him as a CM in a 3 imo. But when he played against Liverpool and Everton, his most compatible player was probably Xabi Alonso in playstyle. Ironically hes not as compatible with Iniesta even though he is good at moving the ball and with it. I think he should aspire to become a player like Xavi at Chelsea. . Note: I'm not saying hes the same level as these players so dont come out with some outlandish claims accusing me of such. Hes 10 years to early to be level with any of them but stylistically is what I'm basing this on not him being "the next x or y".
Nesaiknruy_Legend
2
Gilmour is overrated
Gilmour is overrated for 2 games coming up straight from the youth academy notably against Liverpool. Bruno is amazing for like 5 games as an experienced head. United fan logic
Nesaiknruy_Legend
3
Gilmour is overrated
Coming from a United fan, this is the single most hypocritical statement made on this app. The fanbase that hype up their players for doing the basics and even once called Martial a Balon Dor winner 😥
Livingstone_chelsea
0
you are most welcome to Barcelona on 2021 when Xavi become our coach.
We go fight here
Mozdenoy
0
you are most welcome to Barcelona on 2021 when Xavi become our coach.
buyeknr
2
Gilmour is overrated
200 times better than bruno
wenaikpu
1
Gilmour is overrated
10 times better than your overrated Bruno
Gunners4ever❤
2
Gilmour is overrated
Better than McTominay
urboring
0
Gilmour is overrated
luhbenopry
4
Gilmour is a Chelsea superstar that shall blossom within the next one and there shall be no stopping him. See him when combining with Mount,Pulicic,Abrahams, Ziyech. That is why,Chelsea needs, jut 3 more cutting edge players, like Jodan Sancho,Coutinho,Timo Werner,to complete the incisive frontline,for the Blues. At the back,Chelsea must sign Telles and Upenecano, to bolster the walls that shall protect Kepa at the goals. Allow Emerson,Giroud,Pedro and,maybe Joginho,to move on to other clubs,to open space for the lads,I've mentioned,above.
sumbdesyz
1
Despite not playing football to anywhere, my idol too was Ballolteli[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
ciuadiprt
0
Mine is Cesc Fabregas, he's greatest of all footballers to me.
memcnpry
1
Lots of greatness up for grabs. Keep it cool Gilmour