How Tottenham could use Conor Gallagher in midfield against West Ham

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to welcome Conor Gallagher straight into the matchday picture, with the midfielder expected to be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United.

Gallagher is in the process of completing a £34.7m move to Spurs, having agreed a five-and-a-half-year contract and completed his medical earlier this week. With Thomas Frank short of midfield options following Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring surgery, the 25-year-old is expected to be involved immediately — and could even start.

Here, Football Place examines three realistic ways Tottenham could line up with Gallagher in their side.

Spurs moved quickly to secure Gallagher after Bentancur’s injury left Frank light in central areas. The most straightforward option would see the former Chelsea midfielder slot into one of the two deeper midfield roles in Frank’s preferred 4-2-3-1.

Gallagher would provide energy and aggression alongside players such as Joao Palhinha, Archie Gray or Pape Sarr. It is a role he knows well and one that suits his strengths without requiring a long bedding-in period.

During the 2023/24 season, Gallagher recorded the most tackles of any Chelsea player and regularly set the tone by stepping high and winning the ball in advanced areas. Despite playing alongside Moises Caicedo, he led Chelsea for interceptions, aided by his high work rate and pressing instincts.

Defensively, Gallagher’s numbers compare favourably with Bentancur. His tackle completion rate of around 44 per cent stacks up well against Bentancur’s 47.5 per cent during the 2024/25 campaign, suggesting he can replicate much of the Uruguayan’s defensive output.

With a World Cup place also in mind, Gallagher has every incentive to impose himself quickly.

Tottenham possible XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Gallagher; Tel, Simons, Odobert; Kolo Muani

One long-standing criticism of Bentancur has been his reluctance to progress play quickly. This is an area where Gallagher offers Spurs something different.

He ranked fourth among Chelsea players for progressive passes in the 2023/24 season and combines ball-winning with forward momentum. Gallagher has also been open in the past about preferring a slightly more advanced role.

Speaking previously about his game, Gallagher said he enjoys making runs into the box, pressing aggressively and contributing goals, while acknowledging he is still working on improving his vision and decision-making in deeper areas. He added that he remains determined to keep improving as a footballer.

His movement allows him to arrive late into dangerous areas, while his intensity helps pin opponents back. No Chelsea player completed more tackles in the final third or registered more defensive actions leading to a shot during that same season.

Frank has faced criticism for pairing Bentancur and Palhinha in matches where Spurs are expected to dominate the ball. Gallagher’s arrival offers a solution. Used as a No.8 alongside Lucas Bergvall, with Palhinha holding, Spurs could gain mobility, pressing control and sustained pressure in advanced areas.

Tottenham possible XI (4-3-3):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bergvall, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Kolo Muani, Odobert

The most adventurous option would see Gallagher deployed furthest forward in midfield.

Xavi Simons has impressed since returning from suspension, but Spurs have often looked short of runners beyond the ball when teams defend deep. Frank has experimented in that area, including using Bergvall centrally to stretch defences with runs in behind.

Gallagher offers a similar dynamic. He may not be a traditional No.10, but his instinct to chase loose balls, press aggressively and attack space forces defenders to turn and retreat. That alone can open passing lanes for others.

While it is unlikely Gallagher would replace Simons outright, his attacking instincts give Frank another tactical lever to pull if Spurs need more verticality and chaos between the lines.

Tottenham possible XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Palhinha; Tel, Gallagher, Odobert; Kolo Muani

All eyes will be on Frank’s team selection on Saturday. Whether Gallagher starts or is introduced from the bench, Spurs will expect immediate impact from a signing they have admired for several years.

Which role suits Conor Gallagher best at Tottenham — holding midfielder, box-to-box No.8, or high-energy No.10?