So, here we are, four days removed from the transfer window shutting, and Celtic have a vastly different squad.
Anyone with even a slight interest in the Hoops would have argued that major upheaval was on the cards this summer. So, for obsessives like us, that argument was amplified a thousand times over. We knew big change was coming, but few could’ve predicted the characters involved.
For one thing, squad depth was an issue. Perhaps it still is in some areas, but we have arguably better options across the park. The wealth, if you like, is spread out more evenly.
From having a core of players relied upon ruthlessly last season, there are legitimate options for Ange Postecoglou. But with everyone fit, and a happy compliment of players for the boss to choose, which XI represents his absolute best after the transfer window shut on Wednesday morning?
Of course, it’s subjective. You may have an almost entirely different starting XI (although if you’re not picking Joe Hart, you’re brave).
Celtic Best XI post transfer window: the defence
Of course, Joe Hart starts. The former England goalkeeper has shown immense leadership qualities on and off the park, bringing some much-needed experience to a comparatively youthful back-line.
That’s been absolutely vital. Capable of making match-winning saves and with the wherewithal to co-ordinate a defence to his liking, signing Joe Hart has been a master-stroke.
Ahead of him, and remember – this is when everyone’s fit – I still think Christopher Jullien is a talented centre-back. The £7m man [BBC] signed in 2019 has been incredibly unlucky with injuries, but his 19-20 efforts need remembering. Another with leadership qualities, an on-form Jullien oozes cool and helps the defence to no end.
Alongside him, Cameron Carter-Vickers could be one of the best signings of the summer. On a loan-to-buy deal, should Celtic take it up, Carter-Vickers offers international experience, is a veteran of the English game at just 23, and could be a really inspired signing by Ange Postecoglou.
On the right-flank, Anthony Ralston has been great. However, I can’t look past Josip Juranovic. I’m certain that he’s going to be an absolute steal for Celtic. At just £2.5m [Sun], we’ve only seen one game from the Croatia international, but there’s every reason to believe that when he’s playing his preferred position, he’ll be a stand-out.
On the left, Greg Taylor gets stick. However, speaking personally, I don’t really see a lot wrong with his game. Generally speaking, he’s been decent defensively. He also offers a great option going forward, and the damage Celtic are doing from the left flank is going largely unheralded.
A midfield full of creativity
After his antics last season, break-out 20-21 star Ismaila Soro can probably feel aggrieved at the lack of attention and game-time he’s getting. He’s still young, and has plenty of potential to star for Postecoglou in tighter games. However, this is a midfield all about creativity.
Helmed by new captain Callum McGregor, a midfield three is incomplete without the roving, versatile skipper. He’s played as a number 6 this season, which serves us well in more open games where Celtic have more possession. As happy to take the ball from a short goal kick as he is to firing off shots at the other end, he’s been truly unleashed by Postecoglou.
Next to him, Tom Rogic really has re-emerged. Again, this is a peak form, no injuries best XI, and leaving Rogic out would be a tough call to make. At this point in time, I can’t do that.
Under his former international manager, we’ve seen some of the best of Rogic already this season. Capable of unlocking defences with one pass, his abilities in a deeper role have certainly been noticed.
Ahead of them, David Turnbull. Yes, he’s gone a bit quiet on the big stage so far, but on form, he’s irresistible. His hat-trick against St Mirren showed how lethal he can be, while he’s working well with inverting full-backs and wingers to create pockets of space. Never hurried on the ball, the ex-Motherwell man was our POTY for a reason.
Celtic Best XI: a wealth of options up front
It’s way too early to judge either of Jota or Giakoumakis. And while a recent signing makes this Celtic Best XI, it’s based on the shape, abilities and attributes needed for a Postecoglou team, from the evidence so far.
No doubt, both players will get chances, and when we revisit this in February, there’s every chance one or both will be in the best XI. For now, though, it’s two other new guys who make the cut.
And those guys are, of course, Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada.
They’ve already got a song, after all. The exploits of Kyogo are well-documented, and he looks most impactful through the middle of a front-three. So, that’s where we’ll put him.
Abada, meanwhile, would probably be recognised as our best summer signing were it not for Kyogo. Direct, a good shooter on either foot and a constant threat for defenders, Abada has been excellent thus far.
On the left? At his peak, you can’t argue against James Forrest.
Injured for most of last season, and likely a doubt for next Sunday, Forrest’s iron man credentials have been sorely impacted by a spate of injury concerns. However, he’s already proven this season that he’s adaptable, and just as dangerous on either side.
Adept at cutting in from either side, or attacking the by-line, Forrest will surely reach 100 goals and 100 assists before the year’s out.
So here’s our best XI, barring injuries, and with everyone on top form. What do you reckon?
In other news: Chris Sutton raves about impact of new boss
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