Chelsea chiefs have absolute belief that Conor Gallagher will become a first-team star soon at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
Gallagher spent a decade at the club’s academy after being picked up by the Blues at the age of 8, and signed his first professional contract three years ago.
He was awarded Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year for the 2018-19 campaign and finished that season by being an unused substitute in their Europa League final triumph over Arsenal, earning a winner’s medal as a result.
Good loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Brom followed, and he has enjoyed a great start to his current loan stint at Premier League team Crystal Palace.
Gallagher has scored two goals for the Eagles and made an assist, with his displays earning huge praise from Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira.
He is one of 21 Chelsea first-team players to be sent out on loan for this campaign but Eurosport claim Gallagher’s future may have a different path to many of the other loanees.
While many of them will be searching for new teams next summer, it is claimed there is a ‘total belief’ and ‘anticipation’ that Gallagher will be given chance in the Chelsea first team next campaign, if he continues to impress at Selhurst Park.
Gallagher produced a good performance to help Palace beat London rivals Tottenham 3-0 last week and Vieira singled him out for praise.
‘Conor loves football,’ he said. ‘The energy he is bringing to the team is fantastic. ‘He’s got a lot of energy and he would play well under any manager because of the passion he has for the game.’
Gallagher has also received praise from former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara after his fine start at Crystal Palace.
‘Watching him for Palace looks like he’s gone to another level, he was absolutely fantastic, really enjoyed watching him play,’ he told talkSPORT.
‘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.’
