Imposter syndrome is not a problem for Conor Gallagher any more. The Chelsea midfielder, who was as surprised as anyone when he was named in England's squad at the World Cup last year, no longer feels out of place for club and country.
A year ago Gallagher was telling journalists he had not expected to go to the World Cup. It was a comment indicative of a player short of continuity and self-belief; a player weighed down by all the chopping and changing at Chelsea.
How things change. Gallagher has become a key figure for Chelsea, starting 14 times in 15 games this season, and has worn the captain's armband when Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been missing. Strengthened by Mauricio Pochettino's backing, he exudes authority. Gallagher, who has won the ball more than any other player in Europe's top seven leagues this season, towered over a floored Rodri towards the end of Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Manchester City, and he believes the self-doubt has gone.
"That's not the case any more," Gallagher said at St George's Park yesterday. "After the World Cup squad was announced, I wasn't playing much for Chelsea and we were going through a tough period, so that's why I said that in an interview. But I'm very confident in my ability. Training and playing alongside midfielders worth 100-plus million pounds is good and shows where I'm at."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 15, 2023-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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