“Loan to go well”- Chelsea loanee opens up on playing regularly under new PL manager

Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour wants to keep building at Norwich City after finally finding minutes under Dean Smith

Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, as quoted by football.london,, Billy Gilmour talked about his ambitions of doing well at Norwich City amidst a January decision by Chelsea to recall him. 

The youngster broke into the Chelsea first-team during Frank Lampard’s first season at the club. He was a regular on the bench last season as well but needed consistent game-time. The Blues loaned him out to Norwich and he started the first three games of the season for the Canaries.

However, he did not play a minute for the whole of October. But since hiring Dean Smith at the helm, Gilmour has played in both games under him, helping the club earn four points during that time.

Billy Gilmour recently talked about his desire to perform at Norwich City this season.
Billy Gilmour recently talked about his desire to perform at Norwich City this season. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Gilmour recently revealed to the Eastern Daily Press, as quoted by football.london, about his ambitions of doing well at Carrow Road. 

“Of course, it’s frustrating, not playing, but I’m here at Norwich, I want to do well, I want this loan to go well. So, for me to play and to pick up points for the team is something that I want to keep building on and help Norwich.”

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was asked at the start of November about his intentions of recalling the player in January. He responded, stating (h/t football.london):

“For me, right now not the moment to already give solutions for January and open the talks to bring him back.”

Gilmour needs a complete season of consistent game-time

It could bode well for the Blues to recall him and add to the strength in the ranks mid-season. However, there is no guarantee on the number of minutes he might be given and whether or not Tuchel believes he is worthy to contribute to the side right now.

Thomas Tuchel might take a decision about recalling Billy Gilmour in January. (imago Images)
Thomas Tuchel in a training session for Chelsea. (imago Images)

The Blues are top of the league table and competing in the cup competitions as well. Thus, while there are several games to play, oppositions often field their best teams to try and defeat us. Gilmour needs to be at that level whenever called upon. That is a lot of pressure on a youngster at this moment.

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It might be better for him to gain a season-long experience and become well-versed with the nature of the league. He is a rising star, but recalling him may not be the right decision for his long-term development.

After all, we boast of two world-class midfielders in Jorginho and N’Golo Kante who vie for regular gametime in Tuchel’s midfield two with Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley, and loanee Saul Niguez. Where Gilmour would get regular game time amidst this is tough to see.