“He is not impressing” – BBC pundit critical £17,000 per week Chelsea player display against Newcastle
Conor Gallagher of Chelsea received criticism from Chris Waddle for his performance this evening against Newcastle United.
In their penultimate match before the World Cup break on Saturday, the Blues were defeated 1-0.
Graham Potter’s team has lost their last five Premier League games, which has caused them to drop to eighth place and further distance themselves from the Champions League spots.
There will feel like a very lengthy break at Stamford Bridge because Chelsea won’t play again until they entertain Bournemouth on December 27.
Gallagher had a highly exciting game despite being a surprise addition to Gareth Southgate’s England team for the World Cup.
The 22-year-old played the first half as one of a front three, occupying small spaces behind striker Armando Broja with Mason Mount.
Waddle, a BBC analyst, claims that he struggled mightily in the first 45 minutes and appeared disoriented.
Waddle said on BBC Radio 5 Live, “I saw Gallagher play for Palace last season and he was really impressive in that number 10 type role in midfield, supporting up the forwards” (6:15pm, 12 November).
“He very cheaply gave the ball away. Right now, he’s not making an impression. He is playing the right of a three up front tonight, but he is not having much success.
He played in two additional places during his erratic second half contribution.
Gallagher began the second period’s first 15 minutes as a right wing-back, a position that seemed very foreign to him and was an experiment that didn’t last long.
The position that best suits his game, the No. 8 midfielder, is where he played for the final 30 minutes.
However, it wasn’t to be for a Chelsea squad that tried to threaten with an equalizer. The England player did see one decent shot at goal saved by international teammate in goal.
Gallagher put forth a lot of effort, as usual, and wasn’t the worst player for his team. However, he was unable to locate any sort of flare or magical touch.