Conor Gallagher has been tipped to break through into the Chelsea first team and England squad after his impressive start to the season.
The 21-year-old midfielder is currently out on loan at London neighbours Crystal Palace and he has enjoyed a fine start to his career at Selhurst Park.
It’s Gallagher’s second season in the Premier League having enjoyed his breakthrough on loan at West Brom last term, but he appears to have stepped things up in the new campaign.
The England Under-21 international has two goals and one assist in three games this season, having scored both goals in Palace’s 2-2 draw with West Ham before playing a key role in the Eagles’ 3-0 victory over Tottenham on Saturday – Patrick Vieira’s first victory as manager.
Gallagher has been hailed as one of the ‘ones to watch’ in the Premier League this season, having been one of the best performing players so far.
And talkSPORT host Adrian Durham says it’s a matter of time before the youngster’s talent is ‘acknowledged’ by England manager Gareth Southgate and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
“He’s been in the England youth set up for a long long time, a World Cup winner with the under-17s four years ago,” he said on Drivetime.
“It can’t be long, if he keeps playing like this, before Gareth Southgate acknowledges he should be in the England squad. He’s doing it week in week out, whether they win or lose, he is performing without a doubt.”
High praise indeed for the youngster who will also be hoping to force his way into manager Tuchel’s plans next season.
“I can see him getting into Chelsea’s first team,” added Durham.
“[Mateo] Kovacic is playing at the moment but there’s periods where he doesn’t play particularly well.
“Jorginho nobody was sure about then all of a sudden he is up for a Ballon d’Or. N’golo Kante, everybody seems to love, but he never gets mentioned when Chelsea lose or play badly, he’s only ever mentioned when they play well and win.
“I’m looking at that midfield, he is box to box Gallagher, sometimes he turns up as the centre forward and at other times he’s on the edge of the own box.
“He can put his foot in for a tackle, he can finish, he’s dynamic, I think he’s pretty much got the lot.”
Durham’s words are echoed by former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who says Gallagher is ‘different class’.
“Watching him for Palace looks like he’s gone to another level, he was absolutely fantastic, really enjoyed watching him play,” said the talkSPORT pundit.
“Good on the ball, saw passes before other people, the pass for [Odsonne] Edouard’s second goal, he knew he was there, he didn’t even have to look so that’s the sign of a top player, he’s definitely one to watch.”