Conor Gallagher has told ESPN he's really looking forward to playing for Atlético Madrid in his first derby with Real Madrid on Sunday. He says the atmosphere at their Metropolitano stadium is louder than what he's used to in the Premier League.

Gallagher, who plays for the England team, joined Atlético from Chelsea this summer. He's already become a fan favourite, scoring two goals in five LaLiga appearances.

Both Atlético and Real Madrid have gone into this derby unbeaten so far this season, with Real two points ahead in the LaLiga table.

"I'm really excited, I'm really enjoying my football right now," Gallagher told ESPN on Saturday. "It's going to be a really special game... I feel very comfortable, very confident, I feel very settled and at home already.

"Looking at the atmosphere, the games already, I think tomorrow's going to be crazy. The atmosphere at our stadium is so good... I'd say it's louder in Spain. Of course it's too soon to say, but the crowd's just so loud. When the ref makes a mistake, when the whole stadium whistles, it's so loud."

Atlético are heading into the derby after securing a dramatic late 1-0 win at Celta Vigo on Thursday, with another summer signing, Julián Álvarez, scoring in the 90th minute.

"[Álvarez] is a very cool guy, calm and relaxed," Gallagher told ESPN. "He's achieved so much in football already. And most importantly, he's a top guy."

Real Madrid haven't lost in LaLiga since last September, when they were beaten 3-1 by Atlético at the Metropolitano, but they go into the derby without Kylian Mbappé, who picked up a thigh injury on Tuesday.

Atletico Madrid was also the only team that was able to beat Champions League champions Real Madrid twice last season: once in La Liga, they beat Real Madrid 3-1, and the other time in the King's Cup, when Atletico Madrid beat their derby opponents 4-2 after extra time.

Conor Gallagher has scored two goals in five LaLiga games since joining Atlético Madrid. "[Real] are a top team, one of the best in the whole world," Gallagher said. "We know how good they are, they have many threats, and we'll prepare as much as we can to go at their weaknesses.

"Mbappé's one of the best players in the world, so of course it's going to help us in a way, but Real have got a top team, with amazing players."

Gallagher said he's enjoying working with coach Diego Simeone, even though they don't communicate much. Gallagher is just starting to learn Spanish, and Simeone doesn't speak much English.This is an interesting picture.

"It's brilliant. He's an amazing manager," Gallagher told ESPN. "For me to work under him is a real honour... Whatever he wants me to do, I'll do it."