With midfielder Moises Caicedo looking increasingly likely to leave the AMEX this summer, it is crucial Roberto De Zerbi’s side plan for a future without the Ecuadorian international.
Former Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour has been a fringe player since he arrived from Stamford Bridge last summer, making only seven starts in the Premier League last season.
Despite his lack of minutes, boss De Zerbi is a big fan of Gilmour and labelled the Scotsman as ‘quality‘ after his performance in the 1-0 win against Manchester United.
However, with rumblings over Caicedo’s future continuing, 22-year-old Gilmour has been given a chance to impress throughout pre-season.
The Scottish international was deployed in a double pivot alongside new signing Mahmoud Dahoud against Chelsea and starred despite a narrow 4-3 defeat.
His bravery to receive the ball in pressure situations from the goalkeeper mirror that of Caicedo, something which will encourage boss De Zerbi.
Can Gilmour fill the boots of Caicedo?
Should Caicedo leave for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, Brighton will receive a hefty fee however also losing one of the best young midfielders in world football.
Despite this, the Seagulls may have a ready-made replacement within their ranks already.
Gilmour may not provide as much physical presence as Caicedo, but he knows how to protect the ball and very rarely gets robbed in possession.
Technically, the pair are very similar. They both like to get on the ball, play forward whilst retaining possession in line with De Zerbi’s ethos of controlled free-flowing possession football.
Brighton’s number 27 may only be 22, but he plays with maturity beyond his years.
He certainly isn’t the finished product yet, but he is more than capable to be a regular starter for the club in the Premier League and in Europe this season.