Former Chelsea defender Gary Chivers thinks the emergence of Billy Gilmour will lessen the load on N'Golo Kante.

The Scot, 18, was man-of-the-match in his first two starts for Chelsea, before the season was put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

And Chivers thinks Frank Lampard's side can now be less reliant on World Cup winner Kante.

"I've not seen someone come in at that age in that role and be that effective," Chivers told Goal. "When you think of N'Golo Kante's level, you think Billy Gilmour more or less produced that. He wants to join in with the attack as well as defend.

"When he came in against Liverpool, it was a tough game to come in for but he was so exceptional on the ball. The telling point was that his team-mates realised how good he was and they constantly passed him the ball. That's how you know how good he is. He is an exceptional talent.

"I think they have now learned how to play without Kante now Billy Gilmour is on the scene. Jorginho and Kovacic have also played well together. Now Chelsea have someone who can defend and go forward at the same time.

"You wouldn't think he was that young. It is like watching an experienced player, he plays it the first time and teams can't get near him. It is obvious he is a good player."