Kenny Dalglish has claimed that Everton’s summer transfer target, Conor Gallagher, ‘lit the place up’ at Crystal Palace during his loan spell from Chelsea this season.
The Scotland legend added that Gallagher, who is seemingly wanted by Frank Lampard at Goodison Park, ‘looks the part of a Chelsea first-team player’.
For the past two seasons, Chelsea’s all-action midfielder has been out on loan at West Brom, who were relegated, then under the guidance of Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace.
His most recent loan spell, which saw him being nominated for Young Player of the Year, was the game-changing one.
The 22-year-old scored eight Premier League goals and supplied three assists and got himself into the England fold.
Gallagher is a player that has impressed former Scotland striker, Dalglish, as he shared in his weekly column.
“Perhaps Tuchel will look at the progress of Conor Gallagher, and hold that up as an example to Billy (Gilmour),” said Dalglish.
“Conor has had four loan moves while on Chelsea’s books but it was in the past two years that he really came to the fore.
“In 2020-21, he was bright and bubbly at West Brom. Then last season at Crystal Palace he really lit the place up. He was brilliant for Patrick Vieira’s team as they finished a creditable 12th in the Premier League.
“Conor is 22 and now plays for England. He has been very patient. His progress has been steady and he now looks the part of a Chelsea first-team player.”
CHELSEA SHOULD HAND GALLAGHER A CHANCE
The recently-concluded campaign ended in a bit of a damp squib for Chelsea, including a change of ownership.
But, come next season, someone like Gallagher should be rewarded with regular minutes in their midfield.
If not, then there are plenty of takers, including a certain Frank Lampard, who will feel they can unleash his talents even further.
What Gallagher needs to also take into account is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later on this year.
If Gallagher wants to be picked by Gareth Southgate, then he needs to be playing on a regular basis, so it’s even more important he knows exactly where he stands under Thomas Tuchel before the summer window slams shut.
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