How thriving Gilmour has become Albion's heartbeat

Nat Hayward, BBC Sport

"I want to be at a club that really appreciates me."

Those were the words of Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour, reflecting on his exit, external from Chelsea in September 2022.

After a disappointing, injury-hit season-long loan at Norwich City, Gilmour was told by then Blues boss Thomas Tuchel he wasn't part of his first-team plans, and he left their pre-season tour of the United States to join up with the reserves.

The prodigiously talented Scotland international's stock was at the lowest it had been since he burst on to the scene with a man-of-the-match FA Cup performance against Liverpool in March 2020.

Brighton paid £7.5m for his services in a deal that looks incredibly shrewd in comparison to the £115m Chelsea sent the other way for Moises Caicedo in the summer of 2023.

His impact on the south coast wasn't immediate. A Roberto de Zerbi system takes time to adjust to, and to step up this season as part of a midfield rebuild after the departure of Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister is a lot to ask of a 22-year-old.

After the 6-1 defeat by Aston Villa in late September this, he was an unused substitute against Liverpool and only used from the bench for the next two games against Fulham and Manchester City.

Of the next 10 Premier League matches Brighton have played, Gilmour has started nine. He has also started their four Europa League games since then, with the Seagulls winning them all on the way to topping their group.

After another assured display in last night's draw with West Ham United, he moved on to the most progressive passes per 90 minutes (6.3) in the Premier League this season by players aged 23 and younger to have played 500 or more minutes.

Gilmour is thriving and has become the heartbeat of a side on the cusp of the top six and with genuine hopes of challenging for a major European trophy.

Both his and Brighton's trajectory is upward, and the importance of appreciation from both a club and manager has rarely been more apparent.