The addition of Maik Nawrocki to the Celtic defence has done two things for Brendan Rodgers. It has given us extra strength in depth in the heart of the defence and has it has also released Tomoki Iwata from filling in for the centre-back position.
The Polish u21 international certainly looks the part. Standing at almost 6 ft 3 inches, Nawrocki adds height to the Celtic defence. The former Legia Warsaw defender also certainly speaks like a man who is determined to do all he can to succeed at the club.
But Chris Sutton believes the addition of Nawrocki does something else for Celtic. The former Hoops striker believes that the new Celtic defender could very well give Brendan Rodgers the option to change his tactics when it comes to making his assault on Europe.
Sutton said [Daily Record], “Maik Nawrocki looks a solid signing but I’m not sure he will oust Carl Starfelt as the main partner to Cameron Carter-Vickers.
“But he will compete for the role and will also give Rodgers the versatility if he wants to go to a three at the back, especially in Europe.“
This would be a very interesting development if Rodgers did decide that a back three would be the best way to go in Europe.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but we haven’t seen the return of the back three at Celtic since Martin O’Neill left in 2006. That tactic proved very successful for the Hoops in Europe as every Celtic fan knows.
Although it didn’t get us out of the Champions League group stages, we did reach a European Final in 2003 and whilst I am not claiming that this could happen again, should Rodgers decide to switch it up we do have the squad depth now to facilitate such a change.
It will be interesting to see how Rodgers approaches the upcoming Champions League campaign. For all the plaudits Ange Postecoglou received for the football we played, our European adventures were, ultimately, a failure.
Celtic fans want to see progress this season. So does Brendan Rodgers. All eyes will be on Rodgers and the first team sheet of the Champions League campaign to see how how the new Celtic gaffer plans to deliver it.
In other news, Mohamed Reda addresses Celtic summer transfer rumour
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
