Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Conor Gallagher is the type of player that the Blues "need" to have amid fresh speculation surrounding his future.
While coming through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher followed the usual mass exodus of young players out of the exit door on loan, plying his trade at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.
The England international made a name for himself with the latter two clubs and was officially promoted to Chelsea's senior ranks in 2022, before enjoying a breakthrough season under Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
Gallagher's future remained the subject of much debate over the summer, though, as Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Newcastle United were said to have been among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.
With all of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia arriving in 2023, Gallagher faced the prospect of being forced out of the club, but he has risen to the challenge to become an integral member of Pochettino's setup.
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The 23-year-old has started 16 Premier League games for his boyhood club this season, registering four assists, and he has often worn the captain's armband in place of injury-plagued skipper Reece James.
However, Gallagher is due to enter the final 18 months of his Chelsea contract in January, and there have been suggestions that the Blues could listen to offers for the midfielder during the winter window.
Pochettino made his position clear when asked about Gallagher's status at the club in a recent press conference, though, saying: "That is between the club and the player," as quoted by the Evening Standard.
"I don't need to talk too much because it is not my decision. He is in the starting eleven in nearly all the games and is one of the captains. For me, he is the type of player that the club needs to have.
"He's important because of his Chelsea values. He came from the academy and knows the identity of the club and he is very committed.
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"You can see on the pitch how he runs, plays, and fights. He gives everything and he is a really important player. All coaching staff want this type of player in their team."
Gallagher signed up to Chelsea's academy in 2008 and has gone on to represent the Blues' first team on 64 occasions in all competitions, registering three goals and five assists in the process.
However, the 23-year-old is not believed to have begun negotiations over a new contract, leaving Chelsea with a difficult decision to make in 2024 if he does not sign on the dotted line.
Gallagher once again served as Chelsea's stand-in captain for Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United, which lifted the Blues up to 10th place in the Premier League table.
Pochettino's side now prepare to host Newcastle United in Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final clash before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a Christmas Eve top-flight fixture.
Ben Knapton
