Ross Barkley supported Billy Gilmour to shine and close the gap on injured Chelsea midfielder in the coming weeks.
The teenager performed sublime in the FA Cup’s 2-0 FA Cup victory against Premier League champion Liverpool, who rightfully won the Man of the Match award.
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Gilmour has the fight to become the best in the world in his position
He sponged in defense, spun killer bullets in attack – and even muscled Brazilian midfielder Fabinho in a virtuoso performance in adulthood.
Mateo Kovacic faces a nervous wait to find out the extent of Achilles’ injury, while N’Golo Kante still has no adductor issues and Jorginho will miss Everton’s suspension.
That could set the stage for Gilmour’s Premier League debut this weekend, and Barkley has offered a resounding endorsement from the former Rangers star.
When asked if Chelsea could handle all of his absentees when Gilmour was ready to take action, Barkley said after the game, “Yes, because with injuries everyone just has to be ready to take a chance.
“It’s about being ready for training, putting in extra yards and being ready to take your chance.
“Billy was ready for his chance against Liverpool and he grabbed it.
“With injuries, it gives the other guys opportunities and the manager is ready to put them on, if you deserve the chance and play well, you’re part of the team.
“We work very hard, the players who say are on the bench, we do extra work all the time, so we are always ready to help the team when we need it.”
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Barkley scored a superb solo goal as Chelsea defeated Liverpool
Achilles’ concern for Willian could worsen the injury list for the Blues, who were also already without Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen on Tuesday.
Barkley pierced a ball to complete a quick counterattack to seal Chelsea’s great fifth round victory at Stamford Bridge after Willian opened the scoring.
Liverpool’s third defeat in four matches could trigger a slight discomfort, but their 22 point lead in the Premier League still leaves their first high-level title in 30 years, a formality.
Ex-Everton star Barkley eager to face his old side after solving a long-standing foot problem earlier this quarter, but took the time to further underscore young Gilmour’s burning potential .
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Lampard has a real gem in its ranks at Gilmour
“To me it doesn’t surprise me; I see him doing it in training everyday, he doesn’t have a day when he’s struggling,” said Barkley of his teammate.
“For a young boy, he is really mature with his abilities on the ball, he makes the right decision most of the time. He is similar to Jorginho. He is a quality player and a good addition to the team.
“He recently moved in with us in the locker room of the first team and he has settled very well and this is continuing. He always asks questions too, which is a sign of a player who wants to improve and well do for the club.
“I like him and the manager and the supervisory staff like him too.”
Tony Cascarino says Chelsea teen Billy Gilmour reminds him of Manchester United legend Roy Keane
Asked to rate his own progress, Barkley added, “Yes, I feel good, always positive.
“I struggled with my foot for a while and since I have no more pain, I work hard, I train well and I do what I can in games, trying to have a little pace after game and now I’m starting to feel good.
“I feel good and I’m ready to end the season very well.”
