The extent of Conor Gallagher's success in Tottenham colours will most likely depend on the role he performs for Thomas Frank.
The former Chelsea midfielder was subject to Lilywhite interest while Ange Postecoglou was at the helm, but it's the Australian's under-pressure successor who'll reap the benefits of Gallagher's tireless engine.
Frank is believed to have played a leading role in convincing the 25-year-old to return to London amid strong interest from Aston Villa, and Gallagher, having signed for the club on Wednesday, has spoken about his excitement at working with the current Spurs boss.
The 22-cap England international is unlikely to inspire a drastic turnaround alone, but Gallagher undoubtedly has the potential to distinctly improve Spurs' current situation. He has proven throughout his career to be versatile and adept in a myriad of functions, but for Frank, Gallagher could evolve into a slightly less bronzed version of Napoli's Scott McTominay.
Gallagher has potential to enjoy McTominay-like resurgence
Manchester United were all too willing to let go of their academy product in 2024, with "pure profit" the rage. Erik ten Hag had shown that limiting McTominay's touches in the build-up and maximising his presence in and around the opposition's box would return the most effective iteration of the Scot, and Antonio Conte has since run amok with the Dutchman's blueprint.
McTominay has embarked on a Michael Corleone-like arc since switching Manchester for Naples. Mob outsider Michael was sucked into the inner circle following an attempt on his father's life, and the Scot, now a hero in the heartland of the Camorra, carries himself with the swagger of a made man, having inspired Conte's side to the 2024/25 Scudetto with 12 Serie A goals.
Gallagher won't enjoy a healthy diet of San Marzano tomatoes and Mediterranean sun in north London, but he could benefit from playing under a manager who's hinted at carving out an optimal role for him at his new home. The Englishman perhaps hasn't been "misprofiled" to the degree McTominay was for much of his Man Utd career, but Gallagher arrives in N17 off the back of an indifferent 18 months under Diego Simeone at Atléti.
Gallagher's best football has come under Patrick Vieira and Mauricio Pochettino. The midfielder was just 21 when he joined Crystal Palace on loan for the 2021/22 Premier League season, but he produced his most prolific senior campaign to date. Vieira afforded Gallagher the license to arrive in the box and exploit a finishing ability that the Frenchman compared to Frank Lampard's, returning eight league goals.
After multiple loans and a so-so 2022/23 season, Gallagher came of age in west London while Mauricio Pochettino was at the helm. The Argentine loved him, describing Tottenham's new No. 22 as a "priceless" player. Gallagher's 2023/24 campaign depicted his maturation, as he averaged more passing attempts (58) in this season than in any other, all while finishing with a career-high 89.2% pass completion. His work under Poch proved that he can do the metronomic stuff in midfield, but Gallagher's ultimate value lies away from the build-up phase—similar to McTominay, who was scrutinised at Old Trafford for his drawbacks as a passer, particularly against deep-lying defences.
Gallagher is not a direct Bentancur replacement
Rodrigo Bentancur's injury leaves an already No. 6-needy Spurs all the more desperate, but should Frank believe Gallagher is a direct replacement for the Uruguayan, his chances of thriving in N17 will dwindle. He cannot be the guy to take on the brunt of the midfield responsibility in the build-up, especially when he seems cut out for what Frank desires from his No. 10.
The Dane is the antithesis of a poet, with his outlook epitomised by what he demands of typically the most creative player in the team. None of this "freedom of expression" nonsense; you just need to run a lot and win second balls. This, combined with the inability of his teammates to pass the ball forward, has contributed to Xavi Simons' slow start in Lilywhite, while Lucas Bergvall, who shone in a deeper role last season, has looked out of place in the role.
Frank has already listed Gallagher's "running power, pressing ability and eye for goal" as standout attributes upon his arrival. The Englishman's impact will be felt through his intensity, energy and effort, and although Gallagher may only enhance Tottenham's functionality under Frank, his addition should lead to greater efficacy.
The 25-year-old is not our midfield saviour, but profile him correctly, and Spurs have a mightily valuable footballer on their hands. There are blueprints from previous managers for Frank to follow, with his role under Vieira suggesting that there's scope for Gallagher to emerge as a McTominay-lite figure in north London.
He has the athleticism, sense of timing, as well as the box-crashing and finishing abilities to do so.