When the 2023/24 season started, the consensus was that Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo would form to be a formidable midfield three.
Fast forward nine months, Conor Gallagher has proved to be Chelsea’s most influential and important midfielder throughout the season amongst the £200m+ spent.
Rumours of Gallagher leaving to join Tottenham Hotspur have continued to persist throughout the season as quite a worrying theme. It’s a story that continues to come under criticism from a section of Chelsea fans – but here’s why we simply can’t afford to let him go barring financial circumstances…
Embed from Getty ImagesOff-the-ball qualities
Gallagher’s importance to Mauricio Pochettino’s philosophy doesn’t come as a surprise to me, considering the manager has always been in favour of midfielders who have the ability to physically cope with the intensity and able to cover ground. Arguably Gallagher’s main strength is his ability to counter-press and win the ball back at such urgency. That is a trait that can’t be coached into most players.
We see almost every team press high. A principle that has quite become the ‘non negotiable’ for any manager at the elite level. However what I see a lot of from most teams are players who will press for pressings sake without showing real urgency to close down. That certainly isn’t something you associate with the Englishman who plays with an extra gear, an extra lung.
His stamina, endurance and overall durability levels are amongst the craziest I have seen over the years from any player. We’ve seen N’Golo Kante come and go. Gallagher is quite similar in inevitability of winning the ball back regardless of whichever opposition player they are up against.
Spurs’ interest emphasises importance of the Englishman
Strong links of Gallagher joining Ange Postecoglou’s side have been an ever-present theme throughout the season. Moreso, the fact a contract renewal remains to be agreed in principle which has seen frustration from sections of the fanbase. Rightly so.
Pundits and media have been quick to call out importance of Gallagher which simply can’t be underestimated in a season where Chelsea have had to deal with many problems on and off the pitch. A young side trying to grow together under extreme pressure. Yet the attacking midfielder still manages to show his quality on a consistent basis in an ever-changing Chelsea side – should ring alarm bells to the directors.
Embed from Getty ImagesGranted, the 24 year old has areas of improvement. His decision making in final third, ability to pick out runners and in tight spaces are all areas where he can improve. Gallagher would be the first himself to admit that.
Although when you consider the overall package of Gallagher; a midfielder who excels off the ball, has a goalscoring touch and has come through the academy. Can you really ask for much more amidst the process the club are in?
The fact that Postecoglou, possession based manager, holds serious interest in the Englishman certainly tells me everything I need to know.
He may not be insanely gifted technically but the tangibles he offers are those that our team would certainly miss should he leave the club.
Consistent availability amidst injury mess
One of Chelsea’s mitigating circumstances for a number of years now has been the injury crisis which has seen the club this season clock a total of 54 injuries (so far).
No team in the Premier League has suffered more than Chelsea across previous three seasons. Thus, strengthens the need to keep Gallagher as he’s seemingly fit and available for every single game, barring suspension.
We’ve seen the club spend the ‘big bucks’ on players who have endured injury woes before joining the club. Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and Lavia instantly come to mind. It is an interesting scenario to think of where the Blues finish this season without half the spine having miss most the season.
Next season will be a huge step for Pochettino as he continues to form a group of players into a team that’s cohesive and dynamic.
Injuries will most likely continue to persist. Hence Gallagher’s importance will remain as he is one of main-stays in a squad that hasn’t really settled this season.
A player who, in my opinion, Chelsea simply can’t let go of this summer. It would certainly go against any real purpose of what the club is trying to build. Let alone the message it sends to other Cobham graduates.
Written & edited by Vikram Jajuha (@CFCVik)
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