Celtic will have to find a replacement for Callum McGregor sooner rather than later, and Motherwell’s Elliot Watt could be the perfect player for that task.
McGregor is currently sidelined with an injury and it has given a glimpse into the future of what Celtic could look like without their captain.
The Hoops’ midfield has been too one-dimensional for too long now and a more defensive option to help provide extra cover in the back four is desperately needed. This is why Watt may be the man that Celtic should turn to.
- READ MORE: Jens Berthel Askou would take the Celtic manager’s job in a ‘heartbeat’ says Michael Gannon
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Elliot Watt is outperforming Callum McGregor in several areas
Watt has been one of the players to go under the radar in Jens Berthel Askou’s excellent Motherwell team and has been virtually ever-present.
He plays in a similar role to McGregor, but has arguably been more impressive than the Celtic captain this season.
The 26-year-old has more goals, assists and comes out on top in every defensive metric when comparing the two.
| Stats (league only) | Elliot Watt | Callum McGregor |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 | 29 |
| Goals | 4 | 2 |
| Assists | 3 | 2 |
| Interceptions (per 90) | 1.2 | 0.9 |
| Tackles (per 90) | 2.0 | 1.6 |
| Dribbled past (per 90) | 1.2 | 0.4 |
| Clearances (per 90) | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| Average rating | 7.65 | 7.18 |
Crucially, he also fits the homegrown status as he qualifies to play for Scotland, which would be a welcome boost to the squad registration rules.
His knowledge of the Scottish Premiership makes it an easy place to adapt to and, if fan favourite Askou becomes Celtic manager, he should be one of the first players to join.
Charlie Mulgrew backs Elliot Watt for Celtic move
Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just have received the plaudits, but Watt is finally earning his flowers.
He will be one of the many Motherwell stars who will be linked with moves away, and Charlie Mulgrew has backed the Hoops to go and make a move for the midfielder, as well as Just.
What can be done to help provide more support for Callum McGregor?
“Eli Just, what a player. I think he’ll probably be away in the summer, someone will probably come for him. I think Celtic should try and get him, and also the boy Watt, who was brilliant on the day,” he told the Go Radio Football Show.
Mulgrew then went on to add that the Steelmen are the side that have impressed him the most this season, saying: 2Motherwell for me, I’ve never seen a team as good outside Celtic and Rangers, the way they play that many short passes.
“Their go-to isn’t a safety ball just aimlessly forward to nobody. They want to play long passes, but it’s long passes with a purpose to try and get in behind.”
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