Roberto De Zerbi has said it is like playing with ’12 players’ when Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher is at his best.
Gallagher produced arguably his best performance since signing for Spurs in January as the North Londoners won 2-1 at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The England international opened his account for the club with a low strike from distance, and was key to a dominant performance as Spurs secured a second straight Premier League win.
Gallagher’s goal set Spurs on route to a vital three points against an under-strength Villa, a result that lifts the club out of the relegation places. A point above West Ham, Spurs’ survival is now in their own hands.
Ahead of the game, De Zerbi had said he wanted to see Gallagher produce the level of performances seen at former club Chelsea, following a tough start to his time at Tottenham.
Asked if his latest display lived up to that standard, the Italian said in his post-match press conference: “Yes, absolutely – when Gallagher plays like this, we play with 12 players because you can find him as a striker, as a midfielder, as a full-back, everywhere on the pitch you can find him. Great player, great passion, great qualities. Great player.”
De Zerbi was pleased with the balance of his midfield trio, as Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha took control of the game. He added that his job is to reinstall belief into a talented squad that has struggled this season.
“They played with the ball and without the ball, an amazing game. Xavi Simons and Solanke, both are top players for us, but Kolo Muani is different as a characteristic, but not as a quality. You’re not watching the best Kolo Muani, but Kolo Muani is a top player. Mathys Tel is very young, but he has amazing potential as a player. Richarlison is playing in the Brazilian national team.
“I’m lucky because I have a lot of players. Now, I think the injuries are finished, because otherwise it’s a big problem, but I’m lucky and for that I’m not surprised. I said two days ago in a press conference, if we win in Villa Park it’s not a miracle. It was not a miracle.”
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