Joe Thomlinson has been speaking on the Football Daily YouTube channel about how disappointed he’s been with Conor Gallagher’s form in 2022 for Crystal Palace.
Gallagher was a big miss for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup semi-final against his parent club Chelsea, with Patrick Vieira even altering the shape and formation his side played in the absence of the midfielder.
Has Gallagher been disappointing this year?
Yes!
No!
Vieira and Crystal Palace will likely have to get used to life without Gallagher, as he was only signed on a season-long loan before heading back to Chelsea in the summer, but that may not be as bad a prospect as it sounds because of the form he’s showcased this calendar year – according to Thomlinson, at least.
Thomlinson picked out Gallagher’s form in 2022 for some criticism, with the midfielder registering just two goals and two assists across all competitions since the turn of the year.
Discussing the Eagles’ potential player of the season, he said: “I think Conor Gallagher has been really, really good, but just the two Premier League goal involvements in 2022. I think the first half of the season [he] was absolutely unplayable almost.
“A little step back over the last three months, but that’s not to say he’s been poor in the last three months, I think he’s just working out his role and working out his position.”
TIF Thoughts on Gallagher…
The England international is experiencing something of a breakout year at Crystal Palace having broken into the England setup a year after a season at West Brom last campaign which saw them relegated, and with his eight goals and three assists this season, it’s obvious he has a big future ahead of him and taken a step up this campaign.
Gallagher is not just a goalscoring midfielder, either, as he has racked up the highest amount of pressures in the Palace side, while he also only ranks behind Michael Olise when it comes to shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, so overall, it’s clear he’s had a top season even if the number of games played appears to be catching up with him.
It appears to be slightly harsh from Thomlinson to suggest Gallagher has taken a little step back because of his 2022 form, as very few players can be scintillating for an entire season, especially someone that has already played 34 games for both club and country this campaign.
In other news: Sky Sports man claims Crystal Palace already have Conor Gallagher replacement