Conor Gallagher impressed in Chelsea’s 2-1 win against Club America and Thomas Tuchel believes he can be a ‘big asset’ to the side.
Gallagher is coming off the back of a superb breakout season in the Premier League and is now fighting for a starting spot at Chelsea ahead of the upcoming campaign.
He was a standout player under the management of Patrick Vieira last year at Crystal Palace, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in the league.
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The central midfielder went on to win the Palace Player of the Season award as voted by supporters.
Back at Stamford Bridge now, Gallagher is hoping to have the chance to prove himself worthy of regular minutes for the west London outfit.
While he was linked with a move away, with multiple clubs hoping to gain his signature, Gallagher is wanting to impress as much as he can at Chelsea.
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Speaking to the official Chelsea website he confirmed: “I feel like he (Thomas Tuchel) wants me to be here. I am excited to work hard for him and impress in pre-season.”
The 22-year-old was handed the opportunity to start alongside Ross Barkley in midfield in the Blues first game of their tour in the United States against Club America.
Gallagher played the opening 45 minutes in the game Chelsea won 2-1 and hardly put a foot wrong in the middle of the pitch, Tuchel was full of praise for the Englishman post match, he stated: “Conor trains at a really high level, and you can clearly see it was the right decision to let him go on loan.
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“He made a huge step in his development at Crystal Palace and became an England player.
"We can see this clearly in training. It was a very good start and a good match for him.”
Tuchel continued: "Now, for him, it's important he gets used to our principles of the game, to understand when to move and when not to move, and his work rate is outstanding, and he has such a big heart. He can be a big asset for us."
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While he plays in a central role in midfield, he is extremely successful when moving up the pitch and can play a part in the attacking refresh Tuchel is hoping for at Chelsea this season.
Gallagher has shared that he is ‘very excited’ about new signing Raheem Sterling as well and it could be interesting to see how they link up.
With friendlies against both Charlotte FC and Arsenal to come in America we could get the chance to see these two on the pitch together.
It remains to be seen as to what the long-term future holds for Gallagher, who has excelled in every loan move away from Stamford Bridge.
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Now it appears to be his time to take advantage of a chance in pre-season and establish himself in Tuchel's squad this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Conor Gallagher, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Premier League
Sam Collins