3 Areas Where Conor Gallagher Can Make an Impact at Tottenham

Spurs, under Thomas Frank, have spent much of this season struggling for a clear footballing identity. 

The North Londoners are a team that wants to press aggressively and play with a high tempo, but they are also a side that hasn’t consistently turned that intent into control, chances, or results. 

While Gallagher may not be the most glamorous signing this January, he can help to address several underlying issues at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Tottenham’s pressing numbers look good on paper this season. By the end of November, Spurs registered 64 high turnovers in the Premier League, but had just one shot from these situations. 

In addition, Spurs often expend energy without any clear reward in terms of goals and chances. Frank’s side have the fifth-worst XG in the Premier League in 2025/26 (23.55 after 21 games)

Frank’s side are trying to become more efficient and this is where Conor Gallagher can add improvements. 

Across his recent Premier League and La Liga seasons, Gallagher has consistently ranked high for pressures, possession regains, and tackles per 90. Crucially, he doesn’t just disrupt games, he wins the ball. 

Gallagher presses with purpose, closes passing lanes quickly, and has the stamina to repeat those actions for 90 minutes. 

Spurs have been passive when opponents play through the first line. Gallagher offers a more dynamic alternative to the more defence-minded first-choice central midfielder, Joao Palhinha.

Tottenham have struggled to consistently progress the ball through central midfield since Frank’s arrival. Spurs rank low for midfield line-breaking passes and through balls, often relying on wide progression instead.

Gallagher isn’t a classic playmaker and he won’t suddenly unlock deep blocks with disguised passes to replace players like the injured James Maddison.

But what he does offer is directness. The England international carries the ball forward willingly, arrives late into the box, and is comfortable taking responsibility in the final third.

While Gallagher may not fix Tottenham’s creative issues completely, he does provide an alternative attacking outlet. Gallagher impressed in the 2023/24 Premier League season at Chelsea before moving to Madrid, where he scored five goals and provided seven assists.

Although his time at Atletico Madrid ended with little game time, Gallagher would have learnt a lot from Diego Simeone. The LaLiga side plays with intense tactics and implements physical gameplans to disrupt opponents, elements which Gallagher can bring to Spurs. 

Gallagher also heads to North London with over 130 Premier League appearances and previous captaincy experience. At 25, he sits in the sweet spot between youth and leadership and can set high standards among a youthful Tottenham with an average squad age of 24.8. 

Spurs’ midfield has talent, but injuries, rotation, and inconsistency have left leadership gaps on the pitch. Gallagher helps fill those gaps through a lead-by-example approach of high-intensity and work rate. 

For a club trying to stabilise its identity under a new manager, a player with Gallagher's physical, tactical and leadership profile could be the missing element to inspire a more productive second half to an otherwise underwhelming 2025/26 campaign at Tottenham.