Ryan Christie jokes he has finally found his best position after leaving Celtic

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Ryan Christie was certainly a player who got people talking at Celtic.

At his best, he was a hugely effective player after breaking through under Brendan Rodgers. In the 2019-20 season which was cut short by the pandemic, he was one of the side’s main attackers.

However, Neil Lennon’s change to a back three didn’t suit him, and when the team returned to a more familiar formation in the following season behind closed doors, he found himself mostly playing as a right-sided winger.

It’s fair to say that this didn’t bring out the best in Christie. He was one of many Hoops players who struggled in that campaign, and he moved to Bournemouth the following season.

Despite initially being used as a winger there, the arrival of Andoni Iraola has transformed Christie’s position – and effectiveness. He discussed this ahead of Scotland’s match against Greece.

Ryan Christie on changing position after leaving Celtic

Since Iraola’s arrival, Christie has become an essential part of a workmanlike Bournemouth midfield which plays at ferocious intensity.

Christie operates in an energetic double pivot behind the Cherries’ front four.

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Despite this, intense competition for places has largely seen him remain further forward for Scotland. It’s difficult to dispute that he has found his best position in the Premier League.

Speaking to the media ahead of the crucial qualifier, Christie agreed saying: “I owe him a lot. It took me until 28 to find my position on the football park, which has got to be a first.

“But he’s been brilliant for me. Obviously the position change has suited me down to a tee. You know where you stand with him, and how hands-on he is on the football pitch.

“It’s really easy to understand what’s expected of you and how front-foot he wants you to be. Probably the one thing he’s taught me is how being relentless is a big thing in football.”

Christie is surely happy at Bournemouth currently, with the Cherries competing at the top of the Premier League table so far this season.

But what if he stayed at Celtic?

What if Ryan Christie stayed at Celtic?

Upon Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in Glasgow, Christie excelled in a left-wing position, setting up three goals in a 6-0 win against Dundee.

It wasn’t until deadline day that he eventually left the Hoops, with just six months remaining on his contract.

Christie’s best football for Celtic arguably came in his first run of games under Rodgers though. His career was changed by a substitute appearance at Murrayfield in a League Cup semi-final against Hearts.

In that spell, he operated in a fluid midfield alongside Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor, with Scott Brown out injured at the time.