Cole raves about Fabregas-influenced Chelsea kid

Will Ford
Joe Cole Chelsea

Joe Cole has hailed Billy Gilmour after his return from injury in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Krasnodar in the Champions League.

Gilmour was out of action for a number of months after undergoing surgery after a serious knee injury.


READ MORE: Will Gilmour be a Chelsea casualty in dead-eyed hunt for glory?


And Cole – who worked with the 19-year-old in Chelsea’s academy – was very impressed by his performance on Tuesday.

Speaking to BT Sport, Cole said: “I thought he [Gilmour] was very good [against Krasnodar].

“I thought he was one of the shining lights, I love this kid. His head’s on a swivel all the time which I like, he’s well drilled. And when we were coaching him at Chelsea he was a pleasure because of what he demands from himself.

“I remember him watching videos of Cesc Fabregas in the morning before training off his own back because he wants to improve.

“It would’ve killed him being injured because he’s one of them that loves the game. He’s competitive, he has a lovely awareness of what’s around him. He’s such a good player.

“It’s a question now do Chelsea make a club decision where they let him go on loan and get games? Or do you keep him in there?

“Because he’s needed, if Jorginho gets an injury or Kante gets an injury he’s needed, he can perform and is ready to go now.”