Conor Gallagher must have worked with Thomas Tuchel briefly last summer before being loaned out to Crystal Palace, but it was a brief crossover, and Tuchel probably didn’t realise what a player he had on his hands.
The way he speaks about the other loanees, claiming they should have been standouts at their previous clubs, sounds like it’s aimed squarely at Gallagher, who was Palace’s star all year.
Now Tuchel has him back, and is clearly paying attention.
“He’s been brilliant,” Gallagher said of his coach.
“He’s been very friendly and welcoming. I feel like he wants me to be here. I’m excited to to work hard for him.”
That’s just what Tuchel will be looking for from these young players. He’s got plenty of talent, what he really wants is players who combine that talent with extreme hard work – and Gallagher already looks like he fits into that group.
Unlike some others, he’s going to get his chance this season.
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