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When Chelsea decided to send Conor Gallagher out on loan to Charlton Athletic, they knew that they were taking a big risk.

Whilst the midfielder had previously excelled at Under-18 level for the Blues by helping his side win back-to-back FA Youth Cups in 2017 and 2018, there was no guarantee that he would be able to cope with the competitiveness of the Championship.

Yet with the likes of Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic all ahead of him in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher was allowed to join the Addicks for the 2019/20 campaign.

Since making the switch, the 19-year-old has emerged as a key player in the heart of Charlton's midfield.

Despite predominately being used in a more defensive role by manager Lee Bowyer, Gallagher has also demonstrated a great deal of versatility having also lined up as an attacking midfielder as well as a winger.

After impressing as a substitute on his debut against Blackburn Rovers, the Chelsea loanee opened his account for Charlton in their victory over Stoke City.

Gallagher then produced a stunning display as he helped his side salvage a point against Barnsley by scoring and assisting at Oakwell.

Since this exceptional performance, the England Under-20 international has been directly involved in two more goals in the Championship.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Bowyer compared Gallagher to himself before lauding him for the impact that he has been able to have on Charlton's fortunes in recent weeks.

The Addicks boss said: "Conor is like me because of the way he breaks forward and his determination.

"Someone wiped him out against Reading the other week, the next tackle he went through the feller and I'm thinking 'fair play to you.'

"At 19, he's standing up for himself.

"That will take him a long way."

Whilst it is important not to get too carried away with Gallagher's performances this season, if he does end up replicating Bowyer's career path, he may become a pivotal player for Chelsea in the not too distant future.

After rising through the ranks at Charlton, Bowyer eventually moved to Leeds United in 1996 where he arguably played his best football.

A tenacious midfielder who also had a real eye for goal, the 42-year-old helped the Whites reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 2000 before playing a starring role in the Champions League a year later.

Although Leeds would eventually be eliminated by Valencia in the last-four of the competition, Bowyer nevertheless found the back of the net on six occasions which allowed him to become somewhat of a cult hero at Elland Road.

Having ended his career with 397 Premier League appearances to his name, Bowyer's achievements should inspire Gallagher who unquestionably has all the ingredients needed to become a quality operator.