Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes Conor Gallagher has been a natural fit since arriving in LaLiga and thinks he will develop further still. 

Gallagher moved to Atletico when Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he was surplus to requirements in pre-season, for a fee in the region of €40million (£34m).

Gallagher has played in several different positions for Los Colchoneros, including in the centre of midfield and in a wide role, shuttling up and down the flank and protecting his full-back.

Simeone believes Gallagher has energised his side through his determination in the press, as well as his ability to make runs into the opposition penalty area.

"When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well," Simeone said ahead of Monday's home game against Real Valladolid.

"It's never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language.

"He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn't feel more comfortable.

"He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us."

Among all Atletico midfielders, only Marcos Llorente has attempted (53) or won (40) more tackles in LaLiga this season than Gallagher (28/38).

Gallagher has also won possession 83 times and contributed two goals and two assists in 24 league appearances for Simeone's men.

But at the same time, Simeone said Nahuel Molina's performances have not been up to the mark, demanding more from the Argentina full-back.

"He's a person, first and foremost, that's why sometimes he's better and other times not so much," Simeone said.

"He knows he needs to improve and we've talked about it several times. When you give a lot of good things, then you're asked for more.

"He gives us a lot of options offensively, he has the speed to finish things off and he's also fast enough for everything defensively.

"We have to support him so he can continue giving us everything he's already given us."

Atletico have dropped off in recent weeks to sit third in LaLiga, 10 points behind leaders Barcelona, who also knocked Simeone's side out of the Copa del Rey in the semi-finals.

Having also been ousted from the Champions League by Real Madrid, Atletico have had more time to recuperate ahead of their league matches but that has left Simeone restless.

"It's not that simple to train every day either. Personally, I prefer to play regularly because it also means we're in more competitions," Simeone said.

"We're full of enthusiasm and excitement, always hoping to fight until the very end of the championship."