Conor Gallagher’s impressive start to life at Atletico Madrid has been rewarded with the club’s Player of the Month award.
The England international has seamlessly settled into his new surroundings in the Spanish capital whilst delivering on the pitch for Diego Simeone’s side.
Boyhood Blue Gallagher departed Stamford Bridge in August after Simeone had pinpointed the midfielder as his top summer target.
The star’s qualities were perfectly suited to Simeone’s workmanlike philosophy and early signs appear to show both player and club are a perfect match – with fans already signing his praises.
And on the evidence of Gallagher’s opening months in LaLiga, there could be more individual gongs to come after scooping his first Player of the Month award for September.
Gallagher – who has been dubbed ‘the pitbull’ in Spain – has netted twice in eight LaLiga games, with goals coming in clashes against Valencia and Rayo Vallecano.
His opener against Valencia saw him become the first Englishman for score for the club in 101 years.
Gallagher’s performances have reminded Chelsea of what they once had at their disposal before the Cobham academy graduate was offloaded in a £34million deal.
And his influence is appreciated on the red half of Madrid, particularly among his teammates, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak telling reporters: “He’s going to be good for us.”
Meanwhile, Simeone hailed Gallagher by insisting the Englishman makes his team better.
After opening his goalscoring account for the Spanish club, Gallagher said: “This a very proud moment, a really special night for me and my family.
“Hopefully I can take this, get confidence from it and build on it.”
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Asked about his teammates’ reaction to his goal, Gallagher said: “Everyone was just buzzing for me. It was a really, really special moment. Thanks to my teammates and everyone at the club. Hopefully there are many more.
“The manager plays me to my strengths, I believe. I give a lot by running in behind and making space for others, creating space on the pitch for us to play.
“I was quite high up, trying to create chances and get in the box and I scored, so I’m very happy.”
Gallagher briefly featured in England’s recent Nations League defeat against Greece and Simeone will be happy the energetic midfielder was given just five minutes of action across the international break.
The 24-year-old is back in action for Atleti this weekend as 17th-placed Leganes visit the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Gallagher and co currently sit third in LaLiga, seven-points adrift of early leaders Barcelona, with second-placed rivals Real Madrid only four points ahead.