Celtic’s striking problem has been eased slightly with the return of Leigh Griffiths. The club, however, need to find another forward in January.
Brendan Rodgers will be delighted that Celtic’s clinical goal-machine is back and available for selection. In recent weeks, it’s been all about Odsonne Edouard as the Frenchman was forced to work alone.
Rodgers, as we all know, prefers to play with the much-loved and hated 4-2-3-1 formation. This means, of course, that it’s a straight shootout between Scottish international Griffiths and record-signing Edouard.
Domestically, both men are good enough to shoot Celtic to the title. They’re also capable enough of firing the Hoops to a treble as well.
Both, however, have had their injury problems in the past, especially Griffiths. A third striker, therefore, would give the Hoops support a bit of room to breathe up top.
Celtic have already been in the situation this season where both men have been sidelined. Ryan Christie gave it a go as the false nine, and it didn’t really work as Celtic lacked fluidity.
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Edouard and Griffiths may be two totally different types of strikers, but they are strikers. Celtic’s attacking midfielders such as Callum McGregor, Scott Sinclair, and Tom Rogic can do what they do best with a proper forward up top.
Therefore, it’s imperative that Rodgers secures that third striker in January. That will ensure that Celtic can always keep their normal shape – allowing their flair-players to operate comfortably in the final third.
The Celtic manager has, in the past, stated that the club needs three forwards. Moussa Dembele has now left the club and still hasn’t been replaced. That was unacceptable in the summer, and it will prove to be doubly so in January.
The club have several areas they’re looking to improve upon. The front-line, however, seems to be one of the least talked about yet is of vital importance.
With so many fixtures coming up between now and the end of the season, Celtic need a suitable squad. Right now, they’re light up top whether some want to admit it or not.
The two strikers still at the club will continue to be terrific all season. They’ll score big goals and win the team points on their own at times.
That doesn’t mean, however, that they won’t need a little help to keep them fresh. Celtic need to act, and not get as complacent as they did over the summer.