Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour reveals Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta as his biggest footballing inspiration.
The 18-year-old has burst into the Chelsea team in recent weeks, winning back-to-back man of the match awards against Liverpool and Everton.
Manager Frank Lampard has described the midfielder’s performances as “incredible”, with calls from many for the Scot to be given a call-up to the senior national team.
Gilmour has since been called once again to the U21 side, although that doesn’t necessarily rule him out of Scotland’s crucial Euro 2020 semi-final qualifier against Israel on March 26.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Gilmour was asked who is footballing inspiration was. He replied: “It was always [Andres] Iniesta. I just loved the way he played, how he got the ball, passing the ball.”
Gilmour also revealed that he never expected to be playing with Chelsea’s first team this season, let alone starring.
“No I never expected it at all,” he said. “I thought I was going to be in the U23s all season, but I went with the first team in pre-season and did really well.
“We came back and I was training with them a lot, and then the gaffer put me in the squad for the Sheffield [United] game. I was buzzing!"
Gilmour’s confidence, but particularly his balance of flair, passing and tackling ability, has impressed since breaking into the team.
Asked to describe his game, he said: “I like to get on the ball, drop deep a lot and create play. I’ve always been told to work hard and everything else will fall in place.”
