Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have taken most of the credit for Chelsea’s recent turnaround and rightly so.
Cole Palmer has scored all four of his penalties this season, while Nicolas Jackson netted four times in total in games against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
However, former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown has stated in his column for BBC Sport that Conor Gallagher is also responsible for Chelsea’s improvement and has been blown away by the player’s work rate.
Gallagher has been really key for Mauricio Pochettino this season, with the Argentine starting him in every top-flight game so far.
England manager Gareth Southgate is also a huge fan of Gallagher, recently praising the midfielder for his pressing ability.
Conor Gallagher’s work rate
Brown has been really impressed with Gallagher’s attitude and work rate on the pitch.
In his column for BBC Sport, he said: “There are lots of clubs that wanted him. Ultimately he decided to stay and is getting his rewards. He has got an unbelievable attitude and an unselfishness that is infectious when you have flair players who do not always do the other side of it.
“He covers an incredible amount of ground and the work rate is there. He has backed himself and no wonder we are seeing an improvement in Chelsea. Why would you leave when you feel there is a chance?”
Conor Gallagher can do the dirty work
Gallagher may not be the flashiest player, but it has really become evident this season why managers like him.
His work rate really is phenomenal, with the 23-year-old able to get up and down the pitch and make tackles.
As per WhoScored, Gallagher and Marc Cucurella are the only players in Chelsea’s squad who have managed to record an average of more than two tackles per game in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea have a lot of flashy footballers who want to get on the ball and make something happen, but they still need someone to do the dirty work.
This term, that man has been Gallagher, who seems more than happy to do it. Coming through at Chelsea, all the England international would have wanted is to play in the first team and he is now getting the opportunity.
It has not always been easy, but things are quite clearly going well for him right now.
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