On Thursday evening, Chelsea's stars had opposite fates. While Jorginho was out of World Cup qualification with Italy, Billy Gilmour returned to the pitch to aid Scotland achieve a draw against Poland in a friendly match. Both players were victims of late goals from the opponent, but the Italian midfielder's stakes were far higher.
The Blues' midfield maestro went from a brilliant period at Stamford Bridge in which Chelsea qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals to World Cup heartache, whereas Gilmour was able to escape his Norwich woes with a commanding display for the Tartan Army. Since returning from an ankle injury, the 20-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup. Even when playing for Dean Smith's XI, things have been tricky. The Canaries have now lost six consecutive Premier League games, and Gilmour's influence has waned.
Against Southampton, the young Scot was a constant threat in midfield, looking to play quickly from the back and create something. He was, however, not in charge of the game's tempo, and as a result, he was on a different wavelength. He didn't play badly, but his potential appeared to be stifled.
On the national stage, though, his job appeared to be quite different. Unlike the Canaries, who often have to make do with whatever possession the opposition gives them, Scotland won the possession battle against Poland, and Gilmour was at the centre of it. His clearance off the line might have been the highlight of the game. Throughout his development, Gilmour has received a lot of praise: Frank Lampard was a huge supporter, Jurgen Klopp called him one of the best Scottish talents in the last 50 years, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink recognised him as the man to replace Jorginho.
"Chelsea signed Jorginho a few years ago, and now they have this guy coming through, and I think he will take Jorginho's place," the Dutch forward remarked. He's got a lot more [to him] than Jorginho. He's a truly exceptional talent."
Following England's summer 2021 match against Scotland, Glenn Hoddle had a same thought. "He's immediately the replacement for Jorginho at Chelsea," the former Blues boss said. "They won't have to look in the market for someone because he's already there, learning and developing into a great player."
Jorginho is frequently linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and it's virtually a tradition during the international break. "Playing in Serie A is a dream for him, and his heart remains here," the 30-year-agent, old's Joao Santos, told Tuttomercatoweb on this occasion. He could currently play for one of four or five clubs: Milan, Inter, Juve, Roma, or Napoli. "He is being pursued by a number of clubs. I've spoken with PSG, Barcelona, and Ricky Massara of Milan in the past. But I'm not sure if the Rossoneri are still interested. The fact remains that we are unable to act at this time because Chelsea is not permitted to sell, buy, or renew contracts. Jorginho's contract runs through June 2023, and we'll look into renewing it after the World Cup."
With little over a year left on his contract, it doesn't look like Jorginho's position will be resolved this summer. Chelsea can yet go ahead of the situation with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen by getting ahead of the issue. Gilmour gives you that chance. However, with a contract scheduled to expire in 2023, the former Rangers academy standout finds himself in this scenario. Some may see his year at Carrow Road as a setback, but as Dean Smith has stated, the teenager has improved his game while remaining a consummate professional.
His performances in Scotland suggest he hasn't lost a stride, and the teenager will get his chance to persuade Thomas Tuchel of his worth this summer, much as Trevoh Chalobah did in 2021. A new contract and a spot in the Bues team in 2022/23 might be yours for the taking.
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