Kovacic: Gilmour to be an important player for Chelsea in the future

Billy Gilmour

is going to be "an important player for Chelsea in the near future", according to

Mateo Kovacic

, with the 20-year-old making a reputation for himself at Euro 2020.

The Scotland midfielder made one appearance at Euros, but he pulled off an impressive performance when his side were held to a goalless draw by England.

Gilmour has attracted the attention of a lot of clubs around the world, with many eyeing a loan move for him; however, Kovacic believes the youngster is a crucial asset to

’s ploys for the years to come.

The Croatia international said of Gilmour, who is struggling with Covid-19 now and has seen his Euros cut short:

"Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to play against Billy but I did talk with him on the phone as soon as it came out that he was positive.

"Of course I was very sad about that because he is doing excellently and he is my team-mate. I felt sad for him.

"He has had an excellent season and his qualities cannot even be brought into question. He is 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 the better players for Chelsea and an important player for Chelsea in the near future."

Kovacic added:

"I have seen Billy’s abilities from the first time he started training with the first team. 

"He can become a really excellent player, so it is up to him to work hard and to get better with each day. I am sure that, with his personality, he is going to do that."

Gilmour played in 11 matches for the Blues last season as well as another 11 in the 2019-20 campaign.

Although Gilmour’s potential is sparking, Thomas Tuchel is finding it hard to use his talent in his plans and a switch in the summer is probable. Among the clubs interested in a loan deal for Gilmour are Norwich.

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