Is Conor Gallagher an important player for Chelsea? Pochettino rates the 23-year-old midfielder who will soon be out of contract

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Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Conor Gallagher remains an important part of his plans for Chelsea, despite the 23-year-old’s contract situation hanging in the balance.

Gallagher is out of contract with Chelsea next year, and there is a need for the club to renew it to avoid losing him for free.

Interestingly, the situation has come up at a time when the England international is arguably in his best form for Chelsea, having played all, but one of their matches this season, and even that was due to a suspension.

The midfielder has also captained Pochettino’s side on occasions this season, including the 2-0 win against Sheffield United on Saturday.

After the game, Pochettino was quizzed about his captain’s contract situation, to which he replied: “At the moment, Conor should be an important player who is still with us so that is the feeling now between the club and the player.

“I am really, really pleased because of his unbelievable commitment, he is one of the captains. He has a massive impact in the game. He is a box to box player and we are so happy with his performance.”

Gallagher has matured under Pochettino, and was incredible again in midfield on Saturday. There have been rumours of him leaving the club, but honestly, with the types of performances he has thrown in for Chelsea this season, we don’t see any of that happening at all any time soon.