Gareth Southgate praises Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher after brilliant England display as Blues take summer decision
According to Sky Sports (h/t Football.London), England manager Gareth Southgate has given some tips about how to best out of Chelsea loanee and current Crystal Palace midfielder, Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher burst on the scene due to his incredible performances at Palace during this campaign. His tally of eight goals and three assists in the Premier League has helped him get a call-up to the England national side during this international break. The Chelsea loanee continued his breathtaking run recently by giving a brilliant performance against Switzerland.
After an excellent first-half display against the Swiss, Gallagher’s efforts brought the result in added time when he set up Luke Shaw for England’s opening goal. The Chelsea loanee was substituted later, but it was because the manager wanted to give minutes to other players as the Three Lions cruised to a 2-1 win, following a 78th-minute Harry Kane penalty.
In the post-match press conference, the three-lions manager revealed that Gallagher’s incredible pressing qualities make him an essential asset for the team. Southgate also lauded Chelsea star Mason Mount for his contributions.
“He is infectious. He can set the tone for the rest of the team; you see that with his club, and he presses with ambition. He goes and makes contact and turns a lot of the ball over. We feel Mason Mount and Gallagher press well but can leave us vulnerable to the switch; the Swiss worked that out.”
Conor Gallagher’s loan spell has been going pretty well under Patrick Vieira. The Chelsea loanee has turned into a midfield beast. Still only 22 years of age, he has the potential to become a future star if appropriately groomed.
Back at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s ideal midfield three consisting of N’Golo Kanté, Jorginho and Mateo Kovačić is ageing. At some point, the manager has to replace them with young blood.
It is believed that Thomas Tuchel has plans to give Gallagher a place in his team in the next season. It seems appropriate considering his work in the previous few months but then again, a squad spot doesn’t really mean regular first-team minutes- especially as much as he has been getting right now with the Selhurst Park outfit.
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But the Englishman also has to realize that to make it at a club like Chelsea, you have to prove your worth in multiple ways. He would be smart to stay with us next season, take all the opportunities he gets to impress Tuchel, and then try and make a case to displace world-class players like Jorginho and Kante in midfield.