Mario Melchiot left really impressed by how hard 23-year-old Chelsea player is working now

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Mario Melchiot has been super impressed by Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher recently.

In particular, he loves the 23-year-old’s energy and presence on the pitch.

Conor Gallagher, who’s started every Premier League game so far this season, is now becoming a real fan favourite around Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder has been one of the first names on the team sheet since Mauricio Pochettino took charge as the head coach in the summer. He’s justified that with his all-action performances, too.

The running machine

ESPN pundit Mario Melchiot, who’s also a former Chelsea player, really enjoys the hard work from Gallagher.

In fairness, there’s not many across Europe right now that covers ground quite like him. It helps him that Pochettino’s given him freedom from a No 10 position to roam where he wants, especially up the pitch to pressure opposition defences.

Melchiot told ESPN: “Look at Gallagher; one time he played defensively; now he (Pochettino) changes the tactical system and puts Fernandez and Caicedo behind him; he is the more forward player. The energy and the way he puts his stamp on the game… I enjoyed it a lot.”

Conor Gallagher has settled

Like pretty much every player in a Chelsea shirt last season, Gallagher did struggle to find any consistency and form. It was strange that people were quick to overlook the fact that it was his debut season in Chelsea’s first team, though.

We’re now seeing why the box-to-box midfielder was so highly rated when he was out on loan away from Stamford Bridge. It’s great to see a Blues academy graduate flourishing in the senior team, too!

Speaking via talkSPORT at the weekend, Alan Pardew described Gallagher as a “top talent”. He’s certainly winning over the media and fanbase with his top-quality performances so far this season on a weekly basis.

In our view, the England international is undroppable from Chelsea’s XI when he’s playing like this.

There’s a continuity right now in the Blues line-up, especially in the midfield positions. Gallagher’s impact from the No 10 spot is obvious, making four assists in his previous five league matches.