Chelsea suffered a 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday and Steve Nicol singled out Conor Gallagher for criticism. Nicol wasn’t impressed with Gallagher’s performance at St James’ Park and says he’s not good enough for a top-four side.
The former Liverpool and Scotland defender said on ESPN: “They’ve got players who shouldn’t be in a team that is supposed to be in the top four. Gallagher’s not good enough.” Nicol’s opinion isn’t supported by fact, however, as Gallagher has been indispensable this season.
Stats show how important Gallagher is for Chelsea
Thiago Silva (1170) is the only outfield Chelsea player with more Premier League minutes than the 23-year-old. Only Raheem Sterling (2.4) and Nicolas Jackson (1.7) have more successful dribbles per game (1). Only Sterling (1.8) and Enzo Fernandez (1.5) have been fouled more (1.4). And only Marc Cucurella (3.1) and Benoît Badiashile (3) have averaged more tackles per game (2.8).
Gallagher is 1st in the squad for interceptions per game (1.5), chances created per game (1.5) and assists (4). He’s in the Premier League top-10 for assists, tackles and interceptions, so Nicol is wrong. The 23-year-old has played in seven of England’s last 10 internationals too, so Gareth Southgate deems him good enough.
Chelsea weren’t great against Newcastle and few players can hold their head high, but Gallagher is still important. He’s been a constant in midfield and looks to have a bright future at Stamford Bridge. Gallagher’s existing deal runs until 2025, but the Daily Mail says talks over a contract extension began in October.
Nicol doesn’t know more than Pochettino and Southgate
Nicol can’t have seen much of the talented midfielder if he doesn’t believe he’s top-four quality. Mauricio Pochettino considers the England international un-droppable regardless of results, so Gallagher isn’t going anywhere.
Gallagher was linked with a move away over the summer when Bayern Munich, West Ham and Tottenham showed interest. But he’s become one of the first names on Chelsea’s teamsheet, vindicating his decision to stay.
In other news, Chelsea have been linked with a January move for Victor Osimhen
