Lampard and Mourinho give verdicts on Chelsea star Gilmour

Former Chelsea managers Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho gave their verdicts on Billy Gilmour’s first start for Scotland in Euro 2020.

Billy Gilmour’s performance in Scotland’s 0-0 draw with England on Friday night left both Frank Lampard and Jose Mourinho impressed.

The 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder made his first competitive start at international level. He bounced back from a slow opening period to deliver a man-of-the-match performance that helped Scotland leave Wembley with a valuable point.

And Lampard, who coached Gilmour at Chelsea, was on hand to praise the youngster on social media afterward.

“Top, top player,” he posted.

Frank Lampard’s comment on Billy Gilmour’s display tonight says it all. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gEfj0grixW

— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) June 19, 2021

Mourinho, meanwhile, felt Gilmour made ‘the difference’ in the English capital to help keep Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive in Euro 2020.

“The kid Gilmour was the difference,” the Portuguese told talkSPORT.

“He was fantastic. He was always moving, always showing, he wanted the ball, he was turning under pressure. He linked the game much, much better.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Congrats, Billy Gilmour! Star of the Match on his first Scotland start 👏👏👏#EUROSOTM | @Heineken | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/jNTdIah8iN

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 18, 2021

“[John] McGinn could be a bit higher, and the two strikers worked so hard. The last action of the game is an example of their mentality.

“[Scotland coach] Steve Clarke organised the game tactically very well, but more importantly than that was the spirit.

“They didn’t come for a football match, it was clearly Steve and his staff’s job. They united the team, and they were ready to fight.

“They got home with this historical result, but the door is open to qualify. They play at home to Croatia and they can qualify still.

“Credit to Scotland. If England arrives to that situation and they decide let’s take the pragmatic route, it was Scotland who put them in that position.”

Gilmour will hope to impress again in Scotland’s Group D finale against Croatia at Hampden Park on Tuesday.