Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is full of praise for young teammate Billy Gilmour.

Gilmour was named man of the match for his display in Chelsea' s 2-0 FA Cup win against Liverpool in midweek.

"What I remember about him since the beginning is that he always wants to give solutions," said Azpilicueta.

"He has a great personality and that's why when he goes on the pitch he always wants the ball. The level he showed against Liverpool was amazing: the composure he had, the way he played, the way he defended, he fought for every ball.

"It's massive for us to have a player with this style of play. Now he has an opportunity and I am sure the way he played against Liverpool, and the way he behaves, he can be very important for us. He is still only 18 years old and he has a great future ahead of him. I am very pleased for him and now the only way he can go is improving every day."

"The manager has shown great confidence in young players," added Azpilicueta, considering the wider emergence of Academy graduates this season.

"They deserve to be here. I am very pleased they have this opportunity. They are the present and the future for the club. It's important when they come through they feel confident and they have belief in their game.

"They need to express themselves without fear, the same way they have been doing in the youth teams or on loan. When they come to our team they have to show personality. They have to tell everybody they want the ball, because communication is key."