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."
Denne historien er fra November 15, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 15, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career
