Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino hailed Conor Gallagher as an “invaluable” player after his two goals led the Blues to victory over Crystal Palace.
Gallagher canceled out Jefferson Lerma's opener and scored again in the 91st minute before Enzo Fernandes scored the third late on. They won 3-1.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the club.
“I think he's a player with great dedication to the team,” the Chelsea manager said.
“He's always trying to make up for it in every situation, whether it's offensively or defensively. Having a player like him is valuable.”
Gallagher, reportedly worth £50m, is contracted to Chelsea until the end of next season, but his long-term future remains uncertain, Tottenham have suggested As a potential summer travel destination.
But Pochettino believes Gallagher is determined to remain at the club he has been with since he was eight years old.
Pochettino added: “He always told me that he wanted to stay at Chelsea.”
“He still has one year left on his contract. It's a matter for him and the club.”
“Gallagher is a leader.”
The England midfielder's goal against the club he spent the 2021-22 season on loan at was his first goal of the season in the Premier League.
However, he is an important player for Pochettino, making 23 league appearances this season and captaining the club during Reece James' absence earlier this season.
“He has always worked hard,” former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech told Sky Sports. “He is one of those players who is always concerned about winning and the club. You can see that he has a special ability to be a leader even as a young player.'' Connor is one of those players. He has always worked hard, always cared, and always tried his best.
“He's a Chelsea boy too. He's pushing and the way he looks, he's one of our future captains.”
Gallagher aims to continue improving
Chelsea's victory was their second in a row, following their 3-1 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Gallagher also scored in that game, and the midfielder is determined to ride the momentum with games against title challengers Liverpool and Arsenal looming.
“The key for us is consistency,” he said.
“There were good games and there were bad games.
“We have some big games coming up, so we will try to improve.”