It's a huge year in the career of Conor Gallagher. The 22-year-old, who is currently enjoying a terrific loan spell at Crystal Palace, is set to return to Chelsea in the summer as he looks to cement a spot in England's World Cup squad later this year.
In November 2021, Gallagher received his first call-up to the Three Lions' senior squad and made his debut against San Marino in the same month. Ever since, his form at Palace has meant a consistent place in the England squad, with Gareth Southgate clearly an admirer of the Chelsea loanee.
"In the end, we have to pick and react off what we see at club level, and Conor's experiences at Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace have been brilliant for him," Southgate said last month when asked if Gallagher can still earn a spot in the World Cup squad when he returns to Chelsea next season. "So if he goes somewhere else or stays at Chelsea, I am sure he will keep developing.
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"He's got a fabulous mindset, which is the key. He's a player that will maximise his potential because of his mentality.
"He looks like one of those who, whatever hurdles are in front of him, he's going to break them down. I'd be very optimistic about how he would respond to any decision that is made."
Gallagher, who came through the academy at Chelsea, has been a regular for Crystal Palace this term, with 26 appearances (eight goals, three assists) in the Premier League. The fear is that when the midfielder returns to the Blues in time for next season, he may spend more time on the bench, which could hinder his ongoing development.
However, that does not have to be the case. Chelsea's midfield is an ageing one. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante - two of Thomas Tuchel's go-to options - are 30 and 31, respectively. The midfield duo also have just over 12 months remaining on their contracts at Stamford Bridge and are being linked with an exit from the club in the summer.
Saul Niguez looks all but set to return to Atletico Madrid after failing to impress Tuchel during his loan spell in England. Meanwhile, the future of Ross Barkley looks to be away from Stamford Bridge, meaning Chelsea needs Gallagher more than ever.
However, Gallagher returning to Chelsea may not be the only addition in the midfield department. Suppose everything goes smoothly and to plan regarding appointing a new owner. In that case, the Blues could have a busy summer transfer window in terms of incomings.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Declan Rice are the two central midfielders being strongly linked with a move to Chelsea - and they seem to be the supporters' preferred choice, too. Both midfielders are perhaps more defensive-minded than what Chelsea currently have and could add a bit of much-needed steel into the Blues' team.
It's highly unlikely that Chelsea would get both Tchouameni and Rice, but bringing one of them in is a possibility. Below, football.london takes a look at how Gallagher could fit in alongside one of the two transfer targets.
How does Gallagher fit in at Chelsea?
At the moment, Tuchel's preferred system at Chelsea seems to be the 3-4-3 formation, with a double pivot in the centre of midfield. Gallagher is attack-minded but can also be used as a box-to-box midfielder. His energy and relentless running caught the eye at Crystal Palace. If Tuchel plays two in midfield, then it makes sense to have someone more attack-minded like Gallagher alongside a defensive midfielder.
So, with Rice and Tchouameni both having brilliant defensive attributes, one of those two alongside Gallagher, on paper, is something that could work. Meanwhile, there are other options.
Having two energetic midfielders in the middle of the pitch is also something that can work, especially if Tuchel's side are set up for a high press. Mateo Kovacic and Kante are Chelsea's most energetic midfield players at the moment, and theoretically, one of those two alongside Gallagher would work.
Alternatively, Tuchel could switch to a midfield three. It's something that plenty of sides do, see Real Madrid in the week, for example, and it would be useful if the Chelsea boss could match up against these teams sometimes.
Rice, Kante/Kovacic, Gallagher is a midfield trio with plenty of energy and quality while in possession. Gallagher being the man most advanced of the three, with Rice, Kante or Kovacic also joining in the attacks as and when.
Whatever does happen in the summer transfer window with Rice and Tchouameni, the future for Gallagher looks bright. Those suggesting he may not get many games next season at Chelsea may need to re-consider, with the England international proving this term that he is exactly what Tuchel needs at Stamford Bridge.
