Before we get into a discussion on the left flank problem facing Celtic right now, let me state that I am a big fan of Mohamed Elyounoussi and what he offers the Scottish champions.
The attacking midfielder on loan from Southampton adds a quality and composure to Neil Lennon’s first-team that we’ll need to compete on multiple fronts over the coming season.
However, when considering a potential 3-5-2 formation change, it becomes clear that Elyounoussi wouldn’t be best suited to our left-wing and may be more effective playing through the middle as competition for Ryan Christie.
Elyounoussi doesn’t have the profile of a player who can operate as a deeper left midfielder or left wing-back.
If Lennon is to pursue that five-man midfield, we need an alternative option on that side of the pitch.
Greg Taylor could get the nod but he isn’t exactly known for his attacking and creative prowess.
One player who would add a lot to the squad and potentially fit that role is Robbie Brady.
What’s his situation at Burnley?
Website TEAMtalk linked Celtic with a move for Brady earlier in 2020 as his contract at Burnley was set to expire.
The Premier League club have since exercised a one-year extension on that deal, but his contract still has less than a year left.
Despite a big money move in 2017, Brady has never quite cemented himself as a regular starter at Turf Moor, making 66 appearances in all competitions across three-and-a-half seasons.
For me, it all puts him in a prime spot that the Bhoys could potentially take advantage of.
Shane Duffy loves him
Not only could Brady give that hybrid left-midfield role a good go, having had the experience of playing as a left-back on occasion at Norwich City, he could also help unleash the threat of new signing Duffy in the opposition box.
As seen in Ireland’s recent match against Bulgaria, he has a deadly set-piece delivery on him that could prove to be a significant upgrade on current corner and free-kick taker Ryan Christie.
That assist for Duffy was something that the new Celtic defender lauded when speaking to the media after the match.
As quoted by The Argus, he said: “I fancy myself every game, if the delivery is right. I had a few chances. I knew when Robbie came on I was going to get a chance from him. He’s got a wand of a left foot.
“He knows where I like it. He stuck it on my head and put it in.”
Adding that combination to the Bhoys lineup could prove very fruitful over the coming season. Duffy has a history of scoring big goals for club and country, beyond his latest effort in Sofia.
History of creative output
Regardless of his ties with Duffy, Brady has a decent track record when it comes to being a creative talent.
His most impressive campaign in that regard came in the 2012/13 English Championship season when he provided 13 assists and scored four goals from left midfield (Transfermarkt).
That was a long time ago now but he is still only 28 and arguably in his prime.
If we could keep him fit and have him join his Irish international pal at Celtic, we could be onto a real winner with his inclusion in a Lennon 3-5-2.
In other news, Celtic have asked to be kept in the loop on Mark McKenzie’s transfer future.
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