Celtic defender Osaze Urhorghide has had quite the journey so far in his ascendent football career.
Once released by AFC Wimbledon [AFC Wimbledon], Urhoghide was snapped up by Sheffield Wednesday on a free, and made fantastic development after his debut against Brighton. Starring in a surprise 1-0 FA Cup win, his excitement and humility afterwards made for an endearing watch.
Ever the modern player, Urhoghide runs a YouTube channel. Sharing his advice for young players, Urhoghide made a candid “Highs and Lows of Football” video in May of this year. In it, he lists a particularly difficult moment. The Dutch-born defender found himself frozen out under Tony Pulis, who had a brief spell as Owls boss.
In his video, Urhoghide explains [YouTube]:
“[Pulis] came in and I wasn’t playing during that time. I was on the bench a couple of times and sometimes the extra man in the squad.
“It was a sad moment. When you’re not playing… football’s about playing, and when you’re not playing, trying to do what you can to stay in the team. And not really getting what you deserve sometimes. Not even getting exposure from him.
“I felt just like a trainer, I’m just coming in to train. Then not even playing and not getting in the team, like “what’s the point?”
“It was only after he left the club, the hard work did pay off. Because I was ready when the opportunity came. If I wasn’t doing the stuff I did when I was low… then I might have not had the success, in terms of doing as well as I did when coming back into the team.”
New Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide is candid, personable and up to do the hard work
You can understand why Ange Postecoglou likes the guy.
In fairness, he’s not kicked a ball for Celtic yet, but a lot of the fans like him already. We don’t ask a player to be world class, but if you’re going to win over Hoops fans, you need to have 100% commitment. Urhoghide has commitment to spare, and his lows under Tony Pulis have only made him a harder worker.
As a Celtic defender Osaze Urhoghide will get plenty of chance to do what he does best. Getting high up the pitch, winning the ball quickly, taking players on. A versatile defender, who looks as though he can play at full-back or in the middle, he gives Celtic real options. Perhaps a work-in-progress at 20, his personality comes across fantastically well.
And, he’s got that media savvy and understanding that seems to fit in with the new era at Celtic Park.
Urhoghide, in a very short space of time, has gone from unwanted by Tony Pulis to playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world. Under a manager who values hard yards, tactical acumen and a positive work ethic, he could well become a regular before too long.
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