View: Conor Gallagher’s early season form suggests Tottenham must make a late move
There are a matter of hours now left in the summer transfer window and supporters can certainly expect some late movement at Tottenham before the deadline on Friday (1 September).
Deadline day is one of the most exciting days in the football calendar, regardless of whether or not there are even any matches being played that day. Over the past decade, it has become something of a spectacle as clubs desperately scramble to get last-minute deals across the line.
Eyeballs are tuned in to TV sets all across the world and fans will be refreshing Twitter constantly to find out what late moves their clubs are making. And Ange Postecoglou himself will be hoping that Daniel Levy doesn’t have any other plans on Friday, because there is still business to be done at Hotspur Way.
Outgoings remain the absolute priority, with the Tottenham squad simply just too large, meaning high-profile players on big wages are at risk of missing out on the Premier League squad altogether. As a result, those players will be keen to find moves elsewhere.
Nonetheless, while outgoings are the priority, that doesn’t mean Spurs shouldn’t be keeping an eye on the market for any late deals that arrive as despite the size of the squad, they still lack a significant quality in depth in certain areas, as proven when a heavily rotated side were eliminated by Fulham from the Carabao Cup on Tuesday 29 August.
And Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law has provided an update via his personal Twitter page (31 August), reporting that Spurs are now thinking about making a late bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
While this might come as a surprise to many, for people who have been watching his performances at Stamford Bridge so far this season, they will be of the belief that this is certainly a bid worth making.
Gallagher has started every competitive match for Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season, with the 23-year-old putting in some really strong showings.
On the opening Sunday of the Premier League season, his side welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge and the two teams played out a 1-1 draw, which Gallagher impressed in. The midfielder completed 91 per cent of his passes, and 100 per cent of his dribble attempts and made three interceptions as well as two tackles (Sofascore).
In the 3-1 defeat away to West Ham, his performance went up a level, despite the Englishman featuring on the losing side. He once again completed 91 per cent of his passes, had a shot on target, won four of his six ground duels and made two interceptions and three tackles.
Postecoglou enjoys a midfielder who is combative in the centre of the park but will also get forward and chip in with some shots and can help retain possession with some precise, accurate passing.
And during Chelsea’s first win of the season, a 3-0 home victory against Luton, Gallagher showcased all of those abilities in abundance. The former Crystal Palace loanee was more accurate in his passing this time, as he completed 95 per cent of his passes and created one big chance. He also chipped in with a shot on target and worked tirelessly defensively, as he made three interceptions and three tackles.
Finally, his most impressive performance came during his most recent run-out, when he captained the Blues on Wednesday 30 August, as they saw off AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at home during the second round of the Carabao Cup. Gallagher made 118 touches, completed 96 per cent of his passes and was successful with all five of his dribble attempts.
He also had three shots, two on target, and won 10 out of his 11 ground duels. In addition to this, he made three tackles and won two fouls for his side. It really was a midfield performance befitting of a Postecoglou side.
Adding Gallagher to the squad would offer competition in the middle and just increase the quality of the options the Australian has at his disposal.
Should the player continue on the same trajectory he has started the season on, it would be seen as a late stroke of genius from Levy to bring him in.
In other Tottenham news, the stats suggest there is another player Spurs should make a late move for.