Celtic midfielder-turned-centre-back Nir Bitton used to be good value for an assist.
As hard to remember as it might be now, the Israeli defender joined as a deep-lying playmaker. In his second season at the club, he scored 3 league goals and set up 2. In 15-16, he secured 5 of each. The following season, he added to his tally [Transfermarkt].
Signed from FC Ashdod in 2013, Bitton initially looked a very useful asset. Before Scott Brown became an out-and-out defensive midfielder, Bitton was a tidy, efficient passer of the ball. Strong in the tackle, he was never the quickest, but a tall, commanding midfield presence.
Under the latter era at under Brendan Rodgers, Bitton was used more sparingly. A cigar of a player, if you will, Bitton would help to close out games late on. It was a role he thrived in, adding calm to the middle of the pitch and slowing down play. Was it the most satisfying squad role for the Israeli midfielder? Almost certainly not. But in big games and expected wins alike, he was a soothing influence at least.
Which makes his conversion into a centre-back all the more confusing. In the last two seasons, Bitton has mostly been used in defence, a role where his lack of pace hinders him. In defensive midfield, he can use his reading of the game alone to sniff out danger and make interceptions.
Compare his tackling efficiency over his time at Celtic. In 14-15, as a DM: 4.5 in the Europa League. As a centre-back in the same competition last season? 1 [WhoScored?].
Celtic and Bitton in 2021: an uncomfortable tactical fit
As reported by the Scottish Sun on Monday night, Celtic man Bitton may leave in the summer.
The saddest part is that he’ll probably go under-appreciated for his part in 9IAR. That really shouldn’t be the case, given the shift he’s put in for Celtic.
Until this season, and arguably last, Bitton was an incredibly solid rotation option for the Bhoys. Played in his – arguably – correct position in midfield, the former Ashdod man oozed calm. Yes, he was never the Blockbuster player that Brown or even Stefan Johansen could be, but he never needed to be.
Rotational players like Bitton often have underrated legacies. I’m not saying we couldn’t have won 9IAR without the Israeli midfielder, but during a lot of close matches, his presence late on in matches made the difference. Certainly, seeing him come on around 70 minutes could elicit a sigh around Celtic Park, but it normally meant we had a game won.
As a centre-back, he’s just not being utilised effectively. His aerial presence, despite his height, has never been outstanding. In terms of tackling, he’s better under less pressure, strong in standing tackles in an effort to move play on. His reading of the game was informed by playing deep in a midfield, not as a stone’s throw from whoever is playing in goals.
Players who are willing to accept a role like peak Bitton’s as rarer than hen’s teeth. In an era where stats and highlight reels gain more traction, “solid” options rarely get the credit they deserve. And so will be the case with veteran Nir Bitton. The fact that he will go quietly, after a season of being misused but never once complaining, is quite a sad fact.
Celtic youth movement means Bitton’s time is likely done
There are a number of players looking to take a spot in midfield. Ismaila Soro is an incredibly exciting defensive midfielder. Behind him in the rotation, Ewan Otoo can play in defence or in the midfield, while there’s also the likes of Kerr McInroy who’ll need first-team minutes soon.
Bitton doesn’t seem like the kind of player who would want to stand in the way of progress.
Honestly, if you gave any fan a chance to revitalise this Celtic squad, Bitton wouldn’t be first on anyone’s list as a must-stay. Especially after his rash foul against Rangers. But if that’s what he’s remembered for most, it would be an awfully unfair assessment of his time at the club. His departure will leave us needing a contingency plan.
More midfielder chat? Here’s John Collins on Celtic’s captain.
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