Conor Gallagher still brings important elements to Chelsea – Talk Chelsea

Conor Gallagher has had to make do with a bit-part role at Chelsea this season, but I think what he brings when he does come on is actually quite important to Graham Potter and to Chelsea.

I think what he brings is the epitome of Chelsea’s past fighting spirit, is something we truly lack in this squad, and something we have all been calling to see more of. Conor brings that without a doubt.

It’s very harsh to just call him a road-runner as well. No, he isn’t the best technical player in our squad, but he can bring a lot on the ball and can hold his own. His strengths are non-debatable though, and yes, the main one is his intense energy and pressing. But he also brings a physicality and athleticism into this team, and a super strong mentality and attitude. We need this, badly.

When he plays regularly, he also brings a goal threat, as he has proven in his career so far. He has a good shot and a good finish on him, if given regular minutes.

What he proved on Saturday when we needed to grind out that win and see it through, was that he is the perfect player to have on the pitch to do so, and that is why I’d be happy to keep him in our squad. Personally though, I wouldn’t expect him to be content with this and at 23-years-old, that’s completely understandable. He’s at the point where he needs to just play regularly, feel valued and needed, and grow in confidence and develop even more. I don’t think anyone would begrudge that.

This little moment from Saturday was just brilliant, and look at how it riled the crowd up. Never underestimate the importance of moments like this and what effect it can have on the rest of the players, as well as what effect the crowd can have by reacting like they did to this bit of fight, determination, and not giving up attitude. This breeds across to the rest of his team mates, and the fans then act like a twelfth man.

Sheer determination. 💪 pic.twitter.com/qFy4Zd1Gh8

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 5, 2023

Of course, you need more than just energy to make it at a big club, everyone knows that. But I do think Conor has been harshly under rated by many this season, especially the fact he hasn’t really been able to get a run of starts and is largely just off the bench.

We should never under-appreciate just how important it is to have players with these mentalities in our squad – something we could do with a lot more of.