Alan Shearer has hailed Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher as a “driving force” in the Crystal Palace side this season.
Gallagher, who earns £17,000-a-week, has seen his reputation soar since joining Palace in the summer on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 21-year-old quickly made himself a fan favourite around Selhurst Park by bringing his all-action style to their midfield.
He’s scored six goals and made four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season. Also, he gives so much to the Palace XI with his relentless energy both in and out of possession.
Patrick Vieira will be in for a tough job as Palace boss when he’s got to try replace the Chelsea loanee for the 2022/23 campaign.
Shearer has included the Blues-owned youngster in his Premier League Team of the Season so far:
“In midfield, I’m going with Conor Gallagher,” Shearer said.
“On loan from Chelsea, up to now, he’s been a main driving force in that Crystal Palace team. Everyone has been impressed with the way he has played.”
Can Gallagher replicate form at Chelsea?
Of course, Gallagher’s showing he’s a Premier League quality star that can mix it with the very best.
However, it would be a different pressure completely to start regularly in Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea XI.
The box-to-box central midfielder definitely deserves his chance at Stamford Bridge next season and he’s got the potential to be yet another Chelsea academy graduate to make it as a first-team player.
It’s worth pointing out there is so much quality in the centre of the park for the Blues, though.
His recent call-up to England’s senior group shows he’s on the right path and he’ll only improve training with the Three Lions.
Rio Ferdinand recently said he’s been told Gallagher’s attitude is a key factor in his game, too.
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