Current Derby County manager and Premier League icon Wayne Rooney has lavished praise on Chelsea loanee and current Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher by making a strong Declan Rice comparison ahead of a big Blues decision.
Gallagher, 22, has made 26 Premier League appearances for the Eagles this season, scoring eight and assisting three. His form had led to invaluable appearances during the most recent international break. And he has continued that impressive form that had impressed Gareth Southgate with a perfectly timed ball from a free-kick that eventually led to Jean-Philippe Mateta heading in unmarked to give Crystal Palace the lead in the 16th minute against Arsenal on Monday night.
His overall attacking play and creativity at the heart of the Eagles' midfield was a big reason why Patrick Vieira's side were two goals to the good with only 25 minutes on the clock at Selhurst Park. More ammunition and reasons for the Blues faithful to demand manager Thomas Tuchel takes the Three Lions international more seriously despite Vieira's slim hope that Steve Parish and co can convince the west Londoners to relinquish full control regarding their prospect.
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The player himself is unsure on his own future but Rooney may have decided it for himself with his 'quality' Rice comparison that could save his parent club from having to fork out £150m to try and sign Mason Mount's best friend. "He is a player who brings a lot of energy, but he also has a lot of quality to go alongside that," the Championship manager said during Monday Night Football's pre-match coverage of Crystal Palace vs Arsenal.
"I think he deserves his England call-up and deserves to play in those games, and I think he can play a big part for England going forward. He can be a player, like Declan Rice, that can be that engine of that England team. I would take him to the World Cup, he is a player who is appreciated a lot more by his team-mates and that shows signs that you are a good player."
