Journalist Tom Barclay has revealed that Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira spoke to Conor Gallagher about playing higher up the pitch prior to the midfielder arriving at Selhurst Park. 

Gallagher joined Palace on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea in July, and has been a revelation in south London.

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The 21-year-old announced himself at Palace when he netted a brace against West Ham in just his second appearance for the Eagles.

He followed that up by registering an assist in his next match during a 3-0 home win over Tottenham.

However, arguably his best performance came in his latest outing against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Playing at the Etihad, Gallagher was not overawed by the occasion, as he set up Wilfried Zaha's goal, before finding the net himself late on to seal a 2-0 victory.

According to WhoScored, he has been Palace's best player by a distance this term, earning an average match rating of 7.38.

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What has Barclay said about Gallagher and Vieira?

Barclay has acknowledged that Gallagher could have moved to a different club in the summer, but he has suggested that the England Under-21 international was convinced to join Palace after speaking with Vieira about how he would be used this season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Conor Gallagher, obviously had options. He could have gone to Leeds, could have gone to Newcastle, could have gone abroad. But again, Vieira, the way he spoke to him, how he explained how he would go about playing Gallagher in a more attacking role, and play to his strengths.”

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Has Gallagher found his best position at Palace?

Despite being in the early stages of his career, Gallagher has been utilised in a number of different roles already. He has played in a deeper midfield role before, and even been asked to fill in out wide.

Yet he seems to have found the position that suits him best under Vieira. With the likes of James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic shielding the defence, Gallagher has been given the freedom to burst into the final third from midfield, and he has made the most of his opportunity.

In his short time at Palace, Gallagher has already shown that he has an eye for goal and can pick a defence-splitting pass, which are exactly the attributes you want from an attacking midfielder. 

This looks set to be the role that he will flourish in for years to come. 

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