Celtic manager target Wilfried Nancy has one distinct difference from his two predecessors.
His preference for a 3-4-3 formation would make for an interesting transition for a Celtic squad used to playing 4-3-3 under Brendan Rodgers.
Both Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou were almost exclusively wedded to this formation – but Nancy’s success in MLS was defined by his system.
Nancy has described his formation a mix of ‘structure and freedom’, with wingbacks holding the width and midfielders linking up. Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen team of 2023-24 is a clear inspiration.
But with a Celtic squad so used to doing things a certain way, which Hoops players would adapt best to a new way of playing?
We had a look…
Celtic players who would thrive under Wilfried Nancy
Reo Hatate
Nancy’s midfielders are encouraged to, basically, move around a lot looking for combinations.
With club legend and former Celtic target Darlington Nagbe at the base of the midfield at Columbus, his partner, previously Aidan Morris, was tasked with turning defence into attack.
Morris excelled in this role before earning a move to Middlesbrough. Hatate’s exceptional ability to take the ball under pressure – and link up with one-twos and dribbles – could be stellar in a Nancy midfield.
Callum McGregor could, in theory, play the Nagbe role alongside him.
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Marcelo Saracchi
Marcelo Saracchi is a wing-back through and through.
His pace, energy and front-footed approach to defending would suit the position down to the ground. Nancy’s current left-wing-back, Max Arfsten, is a regular for the United States national team despite intense competition in his position.
We have seen glimpses of his physical capability since his return, but Kieran Tierney may need to settle for a wide centre-half role – another position with a unique duty under Nancy.
Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel’s composure and quality in possession would be invaluable for Nancy – just as it was for Rodgers.
If anything, Nancy’s highly-rated current goalkeeper Patrick Schulte has an even higher starting position than Schmeichel when his team has the ball. This is an essential part of their build-up.
Since his arrival, Schmeichel has had an invaluable effect on Celtic’s in-possession play with his ability to play line-breaking passes. He would have a lot of fun in a Nancy system.
Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren hasn’t been everyone’s cup of tea since his signing in the summer, but of every current member of Celtic’s squad, he is by far the most suitable for a wide forward role under Nancy.
The Swede has played between central midfield and right-wing since joining – a place on the right of Nancy’s front-three would marry these roles perfectly, and resemble how Nygren operated at his previous club, Nordsjaelland.
If he can match the 25 goal involvements that Columbus star Diego Rossi has contributed from that position this year, it would do nicely.
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