Tottenham Hotspur have shaken things up this winter transfer window, spending more than many expected in order to sign center midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid. But in order to make sure they beat Aston Villa to the punch after the injury to Rodrigo Bentancur, Spurs felt like they had to pay 40 million euros to seal this deal.
Gallagher was a star in the Premier League for Crystal Palace and, despite his technical flaws, was actually a decent player for London rivals Chelsea. His time at Atleti did not go swimmingly well, but Spurs supporters largely seem optimistic about this signing, owing to the intensity and leadership that Gallagher displays in the middle of the park.
Though Gallagher mostly played as an 8 at Chelsea, he was utilized quite frequently as a No. 10, too, especially at Palace. And since he was a better 10 than an 8 at Palace, Spurs fans should actually be worried about how Thomas Frank utilizes Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher is not worth it
Because even if Gallagher is better as a 10 than an 8, getting the most out of Gallagher may mean sacrificing the quality of a better and younger player who should be the future building block of Tottenham Hotspur.
Xavi Simons has come on strong in recent games, and blip on the radar after a red card against Liverpool aside, he is producing his finest work as a 10 right now. Even in the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa, Simons distinguished himself positively to the Spurs faithful.
But we have seen Thomas Frank repeatedly misuse Simons in his first season at the N17, including playing him on the left wing. And with Mathsy Tel asking for a transfer out and now no healthy right wingers, Simons may be headed for more minutes on the wing, rather than as a 10.
The Gallagher signing raises a worrisome question, specifically because Frank cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Even dual No. 10's would be preferable to playing Simons out wide in favor of Gallagher, and, of course, once James Maddison comes back from his injury - if that happens at all this season - the field will get more crowded for Simons.
Hopefully, Frank speaks to the sensible side of things and continues to play Simons in the main playmaker role, only occasionally rotating in Gallagher while mostly using the new 25 year old acquistion as a bulldog No. 8 behind him. But, well, sensible and Frank have not often gone together this season.