Ryan Christie’s career is one of the most unpredictable occurrences to have transpired at Celtic in a long time.
Fresh off of a terrific run of form, Christie signed a new contract with the club yesterday. He follows Olivier Ntcham in committing his future to Parkhead, as Celtic get some terrific business done in a great week for the club.
Yet, who could’ve seen this happening for young Christie just a year or two ago?
Yes, it felt as though Brendan Rodgers was looking for a way to get the youngster out of the club over the last couple of years. His two spells at Aberdeen smacked of Celtic looking to bring in offers for him.
Granted, the fact that Celtic didn’t want to sell to Aberdeen was promising for him. In all seriousness, however, who would’ve really predicted him to become such a star this season?
Just a year ago, or even six months ago, fans had a totally different view of the Highland youngster. Christie was apparently a number 10 who just wasn’t physically capable of playing in the Celtic side. He was too easily brushed off the ball, and didn’t have that quality Rodgers was looking for.
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Now? He seems to be that long-awaited Stuart Armstrong replacement. A powerful number eight who can go from box-to-box and show some real aggression. It’s incredible to think how aggressive Christie now is at Celtic when you consider how weak he used to be.
Subsequently, Christie has used his improved attributes to make him one of the first names on Rodgers’ team-sheet. For a player who had only featured for Celtic 13 times in the last three seasons, he’s already blitzed that.
The midfielder has made 15 appearances this season alone – therefore showing the improvement he’s managed to make. He’s also managed to bag three goals in his last five matches. As well as that, he set up the winner against RB Leipzig, and came close to netting the winner at Livingston.
His impact on games are becoming more and more noticeable. It’s already clear that Rodgers made the right decision in bringing him back to Parkhead. It’s difficult to remember the last player to make such a terrific renaissance at Celtic Park. Christie, however, has more than earned it.
From being just about shipped out permanently to thriving on a weekly-basis and signing a new contract with Celtic. Christie is now finally living the dream he always wanted when he signed up at Parkhead.
Here’s hoping he can kick on and become a regular in Rodgers’ side over the season.