And Rio Ferdinand, who was speaking about the 23-year-old on TNT Sports (30/12/2023 at 12:05) before the Blues’ 3-2 win against Luton Town, said his coaches of the past and present have only ever had good things to say about him.

He is a player who Mauricio Pochettino has really trusted in the current campaign. Not only is Gallagher starting games right now, but he is also captaining the team in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

What Rio Ferdinand has heard about Conor Gallagher

Ferdinand says he has learnt from Gallagher’s former and current coaches that the Englishman is someone who works extremely hard to improve his game.

The Manchester United legend said: “This kid works at his game. You speak to any of the coaches that have coached him from a young kid up to where he is now, the intensity of which he works…”

Conor Gallagher a hard worker

When you look at how Gallagher plays on the pitch, it is not a shock to hear that he is the kind of footballer that spends time trying to refine his game.

This season, the England international is making 2.7 tackles per game in the Premier League, which is the second-highest average in Pochettino’s squad (WhoScored).

It is honestly a shame that Chelsea could actually lose Gallagher as soon as January. He continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge as his contract runs down.

Gallagher, of course, came through the Blues’ academy, so the club can make pure profit on him if they decide to sell the midfielder. From a business perspective, it does sound tempting.