Former Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge has said that Billy Gilmour can take inspiration from Harry Kane’s path to stardom following the Scotsman’s loan to Norwich City.
Speaking to BettingExpert, Bridge was adamant that the 20-year-old midfielder has a future at Stamford Bridge despite his lack of game time under Thomas Tuchel.
Aware of Gilmour’s raw ability, the former Blues left-back claimed he was surprised to see the Scotsman leave. Bridge continued by admitting that he can see the reasoning behind Gilmour’s loan, especially after his lack of game time under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Gilmour played just 387 minutes of first-team football under the former Paris Saint Germain manager following the German’s arrival in January, despite having shown glimpses of breaking into the starting eleven under Frank Lampard.
“I was surprised to see him go on a season-long loan to Norwich,” said Bridge. “But, I also understand the reason behind it.
“I think he has a huge future at Chelsea - still young but he has so much quality and plays with maturity. “
The former Blues continued as he likened Gilmour’s situation to that of England and Tottenham Hotspur captain Kane, who also went on a series of loans before he eventually made his breakthrough.
“Going out on loan can definitely help,” said the 2005 Chelsea Premier League champion. “A prime example being Harry Kane going to Leicester and then coming back and smashing it. The people that I know of who’ve been on loan, it’s always helped them mature and learn from the experience.”
Despite his lack of game time, Scotland manager Steve Clarke kept his faith in Gilmour and took him to Euro 2020.
The Blues midfielder went on to make his first start for Scotland against England at the heart of midfield in the second group stage game. Gilmour impressed and had fans scratching their heads in astonishment as to how and why the Chelsea youngster had only just made his first start.
Bridge continued as he revelled in Gilmour’s valiant efforts at the European Championships, claiming Clarke’s side missed him following his unfortunate transmission of Covid-19.
“I thought he was great against England,” Bridge added. “And obviously it was a disappointment catching Covid, so he couldn’t play against Croatia. He was missed massively.”
Having made another great impression, Gilmour will be looking to follow on in the same vein as he prepares for a tough season with the Canaries, and for a future at Chelsea.
