When we all witnessed Oliver Burke’s first month or so at Parkhead, many of us will have wondered how West Bromwich Albion couldn’t see much in him.
Why on earth would a Championship side look to get rid of a player with such raw potential as Burke? How wasn’t he a key staple of their team this season?
He made a storming start to life in Glasgow. Four goals in his opening month at Parkhead was combined with some electric displays. His lung-bursting pace was a huge asset, especially in a country lacking pacey centre-backs.
But the more we’re now seeing of him, the more it’s clear his technique just isn’t good enough at the moment. Burke has the unfortunate trait of looking more like an athlete than a footballer. Whilst it would be harsh to say his pace is the only reason he stands out, it’s certainly the most effective ability in his arsenal.
Burke’s speed has already proved to be useful in Scotland. But in recent matches, we’re seeing him get into decent areas only for his ball-control and all-round technique to let him down.
He’s often been struggling to remain balanced when in possession, and still isn’t accurate with his passing or shooting. He’s now missed two terrific chances with no defenders around him in the last two matches against St Mirren and Livingston respectively. Both have been woeful strikes too.
Are we using him properly?
Celtic, at the same time, may be shooting themselves in the foot of course. Burke looks more effective when he just kicks it past full-backs and darts beyond them. Playing up top, he doesn’t have that same luxury. He’s having to hold the ball up and bring others into play, something that requires good control and composure. Burke is proving to have neither.
That’s not to say he doesn’t have something. Burke’s pace is a gift. If his ball technique can be developed, then he could be an incredibly effective player. But even that takes time to instill into a player.
At the moment, and with the way Burke plays the game, it’s easy to see why he’s been left out at West Brom. In a competition as competitive and decent in quality as the Championship, his technique would likely leave him wanting.
It’s the one thing holding him back from taking Parkhead by storm too.
Celtic don’t have enough time with him in order to develop that fully. But it’s now clear why he’s made just five appearances for West Brom and scored just one goal. Hopefully, whether it be with us or West Brom, he can improve in that regard.
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