Yaya Toure has thoroughly enjoyed watching Conor Gallagher strut his stuff in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
In an interview with the Times, the former Manchester City machine apparently named Gallagher and Rodri as the ‘first names he thinks of in terms of midfielders who impress him right now.’
Gallagher’s golden hour
The on-loan Chelsea youngster probably tops most admiring lists at the moment.
He has earned plaudits from across the board for his performances in a Palace and England jersey since leaving Stamford Bridge last summer.
Arguably, the 22-year-old is the most precious jewel in Patrick Vieira’s crown, which comes as some achievement considering the talent on display at Selhurst Park.
Gallagher not only provides a threat in the final third, but he contributes all over the pitch, working tirelessly for his team.
Some might fear for the player’s energy levels once the campaign concludes, when he is set to return to Cobham.
After all, he has only missed three games in total for the Eagles, two of which were enforced as they were against Chelsea.
Thankfully, the England international’s age should help him recover enough to demonstrate his full range of skills to Thomas Tuchel in the flesh.
Will Tuchel take Conor back?
Tuchel was only afforded a few training sessions during pre-season to make a judgement call on the academy graduate.
Sending him on loan to Palace turned out to be the wisest decision of all, as it proved his capability at the highest level of English football.
Gareth Southgate has taken a similar shining to Gallagher, having included him in the most recent Three Lions camp.
Not only that, he started the London native against Switzerland last Saturday under the Wembley arch.
Therefore, it is little surprise that he’s caught Toure’s eye, which comes as some compliment considering the Ivorian was one of the game’s most formidable midfield forces in his heyday.
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