Conor Gallagher has, once again, proved his value to Chelsea and Graham Potter after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Leicester City.
The 23-year-old does not seem comfortable enough to play in a two-man midfield nor in the front three in a 3-4-3 formation, but when Chelsea are losing control in a game, Potter turns to the versatile midfielder and his energy.
It was the case against Borussia Dortmund and again against Leicester.
Gallagher’s one goal and one assist this season pale in comparison to his eight goals and three assists for Crystal Palace last term, but he now plays a different role at Stamford Bridge.
He is still a ball-winning midfield engine, but in a team that does not rely on his striking as much.
Gallagher registered two tackles and one interception in the 45 minutes against Leicester, while offensively, he completed two dribbles and managed one key pass.
He is the player you want on your team when you start losing the midfield battle, and apart from N’Golo Kante, arguably no Chelsea player offers more in this area than Gallagher.
So, Chelsea may want to reconsider their reported plan to offload the academy graduate at the end of the season.
It is one thing if Gallagher himself wants to leave to pursue regular football elsewhere — because he is clearly good enough to start regularly at other clubs, but the idea of keeping him at the club is becoming more and more appealing.
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