Ex-Celtic target Edson Alvarez flops against Argentina

By Connor Gordon

September 12, 2019

Celtic will feel a bit of relief that a move for Edson Alvarez didn’t come off.

The Hoops’ reported £5.2 million bid was rebuffed and the Mexican joined Ajax.

The former Club America defender turned midfielder is going to want to forget his latest showing. A 4-0 horsing to Argentina where Alvarez came out as one of the worst on the park will now be long in the mind.

Celtic are feeling pretty good on Edson Alvarez move

Not many players go into a match against Argentina and come out on top.

Edson Alvarez in action for Argentina against Mexico. (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images)

The same applies to Alvarez and his Mexican team who are reeling after a defeat by the Messi-free side. A Lautoro Martinez hat-trick and a Leandro Parades penalty sealed the win for the Argies.

Alvarez, a defender by trade, is becoming a midfielder in recent months and is playing there for Mexico. In the match ratings after the match, the 21-year-old unsurprisingly didn’t fare well. ESPN rated the utility defender three out of 10 in their summary of the Mexican team.

They said: “Argentine players constantly dashed past the defensive midfielder with ease in the win.

“An early yellow seemed to have thrown off the Ajax youngster who was partially at fault for one of the goals allowed.”

Edson Alvarez playing for Ajax after Club America move. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Let’s hope this player doesn’t read the press.

Celtic are winning the luck of the draw with defenders

Instead of Alvarez, the Hoops ended up bringing in Christopher Jullien for a higher fee.

A small sum of £7 million brought the Frenchman in from Toulouse this summer as the club’s second most expensive signing.

Christopher Jullien celebrating Celtic win against Rangers. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Despite a slow start, Jullien is fitting in just fine and becoming a fan favourite.

Scouting is key when it comes to signing players on big fees. Celtic have Jullien while Ajax have Alvarez who is needing a massive improvement.

Sometimes the Hoops scouting team get it right at times.