Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour was unable to feature in the World Cup campaign after suffering a devastating injury against Curacao during Scotland’s final home preparation match.
He returned to central midfield alongside Lewis Ferguson and, in the view of former Scotland international John Collins, played a decisive role in inspiring the team’s improved second-half display.
Collins said Gilmour immediately began collecting possession after the interval, sending passes forward and continuing his runs to support the attackers.
Gilmour operated in a more advanced position than Ferguson, in a role former Scotland winger Pat Nevin compared to that of an attacking playmaker. He delivered 32 passes into the final third, the highest total of any player in the match.
The former Chelsea midfielder linked effectively with McBurnie near the penalty area to create a shooting opportunity for himself. He also released Robbie Ure, who chose to cross instead of taking a shot, and produced an excellent through ball for Kieron Bowie that deserved to end with a goal.
These were only some of his most influential contributions. After the match, Pocognoli explained that the half-time adjustment involved moving Gilmour into a deeper role, helping Scotland limit Slovenia’s ability to progress through midfield while gaining greater control in possession.
Pocognoli said Gilmour was instructed to drop slightly deeper while Oli McBurnie moved closer to the opposition’s penalty area. Using two holding midfielders and two attacking midfielders also made the team more compact when trying to recover possession.
He added that the change disrupted Slovenia’s defensive structure, allowing Scotland to play between the lines through Gilmour, attack the space with Kieron Bowie or create opportunities from crosses.
Pocognoli praised Gilmour as an outstanding and inventive player who consistently searches for forward options and solutions within the tactical plan. He also highlighted the midfielder’s presence around the penalty area and his strong defensive contribution.
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