Hatem Abd Elhamed’s signing at Parkhead was viewed largely by supporters as bringing in a new right-back.
The Israeli has performed admirably in the position since arriving in the summer from Hapoel Be’er Sheva. Elhamed has managed to make 11 appearances and has solidified himself as first-choice for big games.
Neil Lennon, however, has been rotating the right-back spot like mad this season. Jeremie Frimpong has now made three impressive appearances. Moritz Bauer, meanwhile, has played against Rangers, Kilmarnock, Hibernian, and Livingston respectively.
And, as he spoke in the Daily Record about Elhamed, Lennon dropped the bombshell that he actually believes Elhamed is ideally a centre-back.
“Ideally I actually think Hatem’s a centre-half but he can play both positions well. When he slotted in at centre-half at Ibrox he was fantastic.
“It’s just the pairing we’ve got there, with Chris Jullien and Kris Ajer, is working out well so far.
“Hatem can slot in at right-back or if we go to a back three, as we did on Thursday, he can slot in there. He’s proficient in the tactical side of the game.”
Could an injury see Elhamed change positions?
When Elhamed signed, we all believed Lenny had him viewed as a right-back first and foremost. His selections would even back that up too. Despite the fact he’s stating that the partnership between Chris Jullien and Kris Ajer is keeping him out, Elhamed was utilised as a right-back long before the defensive duo were thrown together.
But what if, for example, an Ajer of Jullien get injured? Nobody wants that to happen, but would Neil then throw Elhamed straight in at centre-back?
After all, we do have more than enough cover at right-back to make up for things. With Bauer and Frimpong available, we have nothing to worry about down the right.
What makes a change of position doubtful, however, is the fact that Nir Bitton has still been playing first reserve. When Jullien went off at Pittodrie yesterday, it wasn’t Elhamed who came on. Instead, Lenny went for Bitton, with his Israeli teammate sitting on the bench. When Jozo Simunovic returns, he’ll likely take that spot too.
So, for now, it looks as though Lenny sees Elhamed as our first-choice right-back. But it’s clear that he believes he has plenty of options with his new recruit across the back four. His efficiency in a back three is another bonus.
It’s interesting to note that Lennon believes his best position isn’t the one he’s playing him in. But considering how positive Elhamed’s influence down the right has been this season, there’s no need to change it.
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