Ian Wright believes Conor Gallagher could be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder for England at the World Cup.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright offered up the idea of the Chelsea player moving into the number eight role in Qatar.
Gallagher was added to the midfield roster by Gareth Southgate, a decision that took some by surprise.
The 22-year-old has never played at a senior international tournament before, with only four caps to his name so far.
He hasn’t quite been a regular for Chelsea either this season, starting just six of the 15 Premier League fixtures.
But Southgate often overlooks statistics in favour of quality and capability, something Gallagher clearly has in abundance.
His vigour and velocity in the middle of the park made him such an eye-catching capture by Crystal Palace last year when he was on loan.
Gallagher can go box-to-box
Patrick Vieira often allowed the Cobham academy graduate to venture forward and offer support to the strikers.
Graham Potter hasn’t quite released the reigns from Gallagher yet, something Wright suggested Southgate should try himself.
“You don’t think he could do a number eight job if needed? I think he could. I think he’s got that energy there to do a number eight job. He’s got everything, he’s got it all,” said the former Arsenal forward.
“I think his form at Chelsea, what’s going on with the manager, I think that Gareth has seen something what he can do at Chelsea that we saw at Palace.
“Again, I’m not adverse to it because I could see in that environment where he can be very, very good. I’d probably pick him. I’ve got no problem with Gallagher being in there.”
Although it’s an intriguing idea, Gallagher may have to accept his role as an understudy to others in his position.
Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips are arguably ahead of him in the pecking order.
Henderson and Phillips may be behind in terms of game time, but they have international competitions on their side.
Yet, to have Conor coming off the bench at crucial stages is not the worst plan B in the world.
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