Making a Case For Every Premier League Young Player of the Season Nominee
By Joel Edkins
Conor Gallagher:
Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher has enjoyed a breakout season at Crystal Palace after suffering relegation with West Brom last time out.
Alike Mitchell, Gallagher has been central to the success seen at Selhurst Park this season with Patrick Vieira able to breathe life into a club that lay dormant under predecessor Roy Hodgson.
Deployed in a hybrid position, the 22-year-old has shown a remarkable ability to merge both the mental and physical attributes needed to put his hand to a variety of roles.
Possessing the awareness of when to initiate the press or cover space, Gallagher has allowed his manager to implement a flexible system dependent on the opposition.
“He has played his best football here…I am really pleased with the year we’ve spent together,” Vieira said regarding the midfielder.
Such has been the scale of Gallagher’s impact, a tug of war is set to ensue with reports Chelsea want him to fight for a place at Stamford Bridge as Palace push for a permanent transfer.