Thomas Tuchel has heaped praises on Billy Gilmour for his performance in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.
Two goals from Kai Havertz sealed the win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which has put them six points ahead of West Ham.
Gilmour, meanwhile, was making his first Premier League start since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard at the end of January.
And the Chelsea manager was impressed with the 19-year-old’s performance. Asked what he made of Gilmour’s display, Tuchel told Chelsea TV: ‘Very, very good. He’s a confident guy, he’s well aware of his qualities, which is good.
‘It was not necessary for him to convince me today because I’m already convinced, otherwise I would not have picked him for the line-up. ‘So it was necessary that he plays his part, that he helps the team, and this is what he did. I’m happy for him.’
Tuchel added: ‘Yes and still there is room for improvement but for today I am very happy. Of course, he was decisive, he was involved with Timo as a double striker and with Mason and Hakim as the four offensive guys, always involved in dangerous attacks and situations.
‘For me it was the individual example for what I just explained, the players today who maybe had a tough decision on them last Tuesday [vs Real Madrid] but they didn’t say, or like Kai today, didn’t play with the attitude that they need me and I wanted more time in Madrid, why do they play me now only against Fulham.
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‘This was absolutely not the case, he took his chance, he showed up, this is what we need all the time and especially in situations like this, you need guys who are fully committed.
‘That means if you have a chance to show up, then show. If you have five minutes, fifteen minutes or a whole game, whatever it is, show that you are ready and give me a headache for the next game.
‘He did that and it is an example for what the whole team did and they get full credit from me.’
