Roberto De Zerbi has showered praise on Conor Gallagher after seeing the Tottenham midfielder come into his own over the last few weeks.
Soon after arriving at Tottenham, De Zerbi identified Gallagher as someone he was keen to get the best out of.
The Italian has got his wish, with the 26-year-old arguably being Spurs’ standout player at Villa Park, as the Lilywhites picked up a crucial win to move out of the bottom three.
After a difficult start to his time at the club, Gallagher is now winning over the Tottenham fan base, and the new Spurs boss is delighted to see that.
Roberto De Zerbi speaks on Conor Gallagher’s importance to Tottenham
Following the win against Villa, De Zerbi remarked that playing with Gallagher was akin to having an extra player on the pitch.
The Tottenham boss has now reiterated the claim and discussed why the former Chelsea man did not hit the ground running when he arrived at N17 in January.
When asked how pleased he has been with Gallagher’s performances and his leadership, De Zerbi said (via the club’s official website): “I’m happy, because I think from the perspective of Conor, he came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning, physical condition, environment, to come and understand a different club, different style of play, different dressing room.
“He’s an important player, the first level of the players. So, I’m happy to watch him in this condition, in this confidence, with these performances. I think, and I said after the game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent.”
Gallagher is loving playing for De Zerbi
The admiration between the midfielder and the Tottenham boss appears to be mutual, with the England international raving about the Italian.
Gallagher admitted that De Zerbi has instilled confidence in the Spurs squad and that every player in the dressing room trusts the 46-year-old.
The Tottenham midfielder also praised De Zerbi for the one-on-one meetings he has held with many players to instil belief in them amid the relegation battle.
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