Conor Gallagher has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season.

The England midfielder has gone from being a fringe player under previous managers  to a starter under Mauricio Pochettino.

Gallagher has also captained the Blues sometimes this season, in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, who are captain and vice-captain, respectively.

Speaking on his new-found form and regular game time, the midfielder admitted he’s relishing the competition for places in the Chelsea squad, and revealed it’s exciting, and is also the reason he’s had to give his best.

“Yeah, I love it,” Gallagher said when asked about the battle to play regularly. “I think most times in my career I’ve had a point to prove and I love the challenge and I always want new challenges and targets to set myself so I just want to carry on what I’m doing now and help Chelsea climb up the table.

“I don’t think money has anything to do with it. The manager picks his team and we have a good relationship, he understands my game, he understands what I bring to the team and right now I think it’s really working so hopefully we can only get better.

“It is really important to have that fighting spirit as well and I think I try to bring that to the team. I always work as hard as I can and I try and rub that off on the other players as well.

“You could see that because everyone gave their all, everyone was brilliant in terms of work ethic and it’s something we’re gonna need going forward along with all the players’ qualities as well.

“Obviously it takes time but you can’t fault the talent and the work ethic in the group right now. Everyone wants the best, everyone is working their hardest in training and in games. So yeah it’s gonna take time but it’s good to see the positives in the last few games.”