Conor Gallagher is set to be thrown straight into the Tottenham squad when they host rivals West Ham at the weekend.
The England international has completed his medical and will join Thomas Frank’s side on a long-term deal following his switch from Atletico Madrid.
Frank will waste little time getting Gallagher up to speed, given the importance of Saturday’s contest.
Both managers head into the game under intense pressure, with Nuno Espirito Santo leading the way in the Premier League sack race.
Frank’s position is also under threat as they currently languish in 14th spot, with Oliver Glasner the favourite in the next Tottenham manager odds.
Thomas Frank Under Serious Pressure
Spurs moved quickly to sign Gallagher, gazumping the deal from Aston Villa by ensuring the £35million fee was paid upfront.
The importance of his signing was intensified after it was confirmed this week that Rodrigo Bentacur will miss the next three months with a hamstring injury.
He joins the likes of Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall all on the treatment table.
With options limited, Gallagher could be named in the starting XI.
Frank will know another home defeat against their rivals, and struggling West Ham will have the home support baying for blood.
Following the FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa last week, emotions hit boiling point as Christian Romero and Micky Van de Ven argued with supporters.
Romero then took to social media to accuse the Tottenham hierarchy of lies in a bizarre outburst.
A game against West Ham would seem like the perfect platform to start getting supporters back on their side. The Hammers are in a dreadful run of form and sit seven points adrift of safety.
They’ve also lost all six of their Premier League London derbies this season, and only two sides in top-flight history have ever lost seven consecutive all-London matches.
How Conor Gallagher Can Save Thomas Frank
Gallagher’s arrival will instantly provide respite for Frank with evidence that the board are prepared to invest and improve the squad.
It’s also emerged that Spurs got the deal over the line thanks to a personal phone call to the former Chelsea player from Frank, which convinced him to come.
His versatility in the middle of the park will be a major boost.
Frank will likely use him as a midfield pairing alongside either Joao Palhinha, Archie Gray or Pape Sarr.
Gallagher ranks in the top 10% of midfielders for interceptions, showcasing his ability to read passing lanes and his tenacity off the ball.
However, he likes to get forward when required and will be able to carry Spurs up the pitch.
Tottenham’s lack of goals and creativity have remained a consistent problem, not helped by their injuries, but Gallagher has a habit of arriving late from midfield into the box.
His 3.71 touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 minutes place him in the top 7% of midfielders, highlighting his “box-to-box” nature and tendency to support the forwards.
He is also highly effective at carrying the ball forward, ranking in the 84th percentile for progressive carries.
It’s unlikely that Gallagher will take the place of Xavi Simons in the No1o role, but if used correctly, Gallagher can become a key player under Frank and the first piece in the puzzle to turn their form around.
