Mateo Kovacic praised his Chelsea teammate Billy Gilmour (Photo:.)
Mateo Kovacic has tipped Billy Gilmour to become an “excellent” and “important” player for Chelsea.
Gilmour, 20, produced a man of the match performance for Scotland in their recent draw with England at Euro 2020.
The Wembley standoff gave the Scots real hope of qualifying for the round of 16 at the European Championships for the first time, but they were later beaten by Croatia in a game Gilmour missed after being tested positive for coronavirus.
It was a blow to Scotland and Gilmour and Croatia midfielder Kovacic admits he was “sad” for his Stamford Bridge teammate.
But as the Euro ended badly for Gilmour, Kovacic believes the future is bright for Gilmour, pushing him to establish himself as an “important” player at Chelsea over the next few years.
Gilmour has made 22 appearances for the Blues since winning the first team in 2019.
Kovacic said: “Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to play against Billy, but I spoke with him on the phone as soon as it appeared he was positive.
Kovacic was set to face Gilmour at Euro 2020 (Photo:.)
“Of course I was very sad about it because he’s doing really well and he’s my teammate. I felt sad for him.
“He’s had a great season and his qualities can’t even be questioned. He’s still a young player but he has played a lot of good matches for Chelsea and for his national team.
“He is definitely going to be one of Chelsea’s best players and an important player for Chelsea in the near future.”
Kovacic, who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2018, added: “I don’t give him too much advice but we talk a lot. I mean, we’re together every day at our club.
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“I have seen Billy’s abilities since the first time he started training with the first team. He can become a really good player, so it’s up to him to work hard and improve every day.
“I’m sure with his personality he’ll do it.”
In order to guarantee Gilmour more playing time, Chelsea are considering loaning him to newly promoted Premier League club Norwich City for the 2021-22 campaign.
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