Conor Gallagher was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge as recently as the summer, but he currently finds himself as one of the first names in Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup.

The Guardian reported back in August that there was a strong chance Gallagher might be sold by Chelsea. However, the 23-year-old midfielder stayed with the Blues before emerging as a key player in the early months of this season.

We’ve heard in the past Gallagher receive comparisons to Chelsea great N’Golo Kante, which some may have deemed as pretty far-fetched at the time. The Times reported in November 2021 that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel compared Gallagher with Kante. In fact, the old Blues manager then made the comparison himself in August 2022.

Tuchel said, as quoted by Football.London: “N’Golo Kante is out, and Conor is more or less the same profile.”

In fairness, we’re now starting to see what he meant!

We’re doubtful that we’ll ever see a player like Kante again, who at his best was a midfield phenomenon covering every blade of grass with such ease. However, Gallagher’s been roaming all over the pitch for Chelsea lately in a similar vein. It’s important to note he’s doing so with a lot more intelligence under Pochettino, too.

Chelsea boss Pochettino said this week Gallagher is a player who runs a lot in his side, as quoted by the club’s official website. We can be sure his teammates love playing alongside him. Also, his energy and pressing gives a huge lift to the supporters in the crowd.

Gallagher struggled in different midfield positions last season, and we didn’t see the best of him in a Chelsea shirt, but things look clearer for him now with Pochettino guiding him from the dugout. At the age of 23, Gallagher still has plenty more to offer as he improves as well.