Conor Gallagher Scouting Report At Crystal Palace 2020/2021

New Crystal Palace Manager Patrick Vieira is rumoured to have described signing Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher as a priority.

The Frenchman would have been thrilled then to see the 21-year-old midfielder join on a season-long loan with the Eagles.

Gallagher represents the direction which Crystal Palace’s overhaul has headed this summer  and for any neutral fans of the Premier League, Palace will be a side to watch with a keen eye over the first few weeks of the season.

Gallagher’s highly-rated Chelsea teammate Marc Guehi signed permanently with Palace already, along with outstanding midfield prospect Michael Olise, who excelled in the Championship last season, and Lyon’s Joachim Andersen, who impressed so much with Fulham on loan in 2020/21.

These signings imply a potential shift in tactics, or at the very least in terms of recruitment goals.

He impressed with his energetic performances for West Bromwich Albion last season, and along with Matheus Pereira, he was a standout for them throughout a difficult season.

This Conor Gallagher tactical analysis and scout report will delve into what Gallagher will bring to the Crystal Palace midfield next season, providing an analysis of his unique qualities.

Conor Gallagher Positioning and use in different formations 

Gallagher is likely to start regardless of what formation Palace play, with Vieira’s conviction that he was a must-sign player obviously a key indicator, but also when we look at their needs.

With the signing of Olise to complement an already quality trio of Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze, there needs to be some defensive stability somewhere, and whilst Luka Milivojevic certainly provides some defensive steel, there is noticeably a lack of a “midfield engine”.

Palace played Jeffrey Schlupp in that role last season at times, and whilst he certainly has the energy to complement their midfield, he didn’t possess the requisite quality.

Gallagher, on the other hand, is coming in to bring that steel with some quality in possession.

His heat map from last season gives us an indication of the ground he covers, staying heavily in the half-spaces

Gallagher isn’t a progressive midfielder by any means; however, he is technically sound and is a consistent passer.

At one point in his career, Gallagher was seen as a number 10, but he has matured as a midfielder at home in a double pivot.

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