Thomas Frank believes that Conor Gallagher can be a big part of building the culture he is looking to instil at Tottenham.
Gallagher’s charging run and cross for Dominic Solanke’s miraculous scorpion kick equaliser against Manchester City last weekend epitomised the very best parts of Spurs’ spirited second-half fightback.
Frank was left delighted with Gallagher’s impact against City and admits the England midfielder has been exemplary since arriving from Atletico Madrid midway through the January transfer window.
“I think Conor has a lot of the bits we need to get to where we want,” Frank said ahead of Spurs’ trip to Manchester United.
“His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward.
“His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it’s not only about one player.
“That situation (the build-up to Solanke’s second goal v City) is a fantastic situation you’re referring to, where he’s running very hard, winning the second ball in front of two players and then put a cross in and we scored from that.”
Gallagher’s arrival was a reaction to Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring injury, but the former Chelsea man had long been a target for Spurs and was the type of profile and character Frank was keen to bring into the squad.
In a window where Frank and the club’s board were determined to strike only if the right player was available and not act rashly to the side’s growing injury concerns, the decision to bring Gallagher in was an easy one.
Gallagher has quickly endeared himself to supporters with his anticipation and aggression, but Frank believes there is even more to come from the midfielder, who turns 26 years old on Friday.
“He’s impressed me, and I think even though he came fit and available, he’s still adapting to the team. Of course, he played Premier League before but it’s different to La Liga.
“I also expect him to be even better when everyone knows him.”
