"He’s that technically good" - Brilliant 21-year-old backed to play for Liverpool or Chelsea

Former Chelsea defender Pat Nevin believes that Billy Gilmour will potentially play for Liverpool or Manchester City in the future.

The Blues sold Gilmour to Brighton and Hove Albion this summer for £9m after a disappointing loan spell with Norwich City.

He arrived in West London from Rangers as a 16-year-old in 2017, having already been included in several matchday squads by ex-Gers boss Pedro Caixinha.

He particularly impressed in an FA Cup tie against the Reds in March 2020, which signalled the end of a potential treble for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Speaking to the Herald, Nevin believes that despite the fact he was sold from one of the Premier League’s super clubs, he can return to that level in half a decade or less.

“Billy Gilmour is at a crucial point in his career, and the move to Brighton is brilliant."

"It’s the right move. Chelsea won’t regret selling him because that’s not the way they think as a club – but they may want to buy him back again,” said the former player."

“Four or five years down the line, I won’t be surprised if he’s playing in the Manchester City, Liverpool or Chelsea midfield – he’s that technically good.”

It is fair to say that Gilmour was not given a fair crack of the whip at Chelsea, with a star-studded midfield ahead of him. But many a player have lived the same reality, and gone on to become some of the world’s best.

Kevin de Bruyne failed to make the grade at Chelsea, and is now second favourite for the Ballon D’or.

Mohamed Salah another, who has scored over 150 goals for Liverpool in five seasons.

Even Romelu Lukaku, who hasn’t enjoyed a great couple of years, reached levels which forced Chelsea to spend £97m to bring him back.

Gilmour will take solace and improve under Graham Potter at Brighton - although it is rumoure that he may depart to Chelsea to replace Thomas Tuchel.