Viljami Sinisalo has been recruited by Brendan Rodgers this summer as part of Celtic’s two-goalkeeper solution to Joe Hart’s retirement.
The Finland international arrived from Aston Villa and gave a glimpse of his capabilities during pre-season, prompting Rodgers to talk up his potential to develop at Parkhead.
He stated: “We’ve looked to tap into emerging talent. Vil is one of those players. He played for Finland against Scotland last season, he’s been someone who’s on the radar of our scouting team.
“To be able to convince him to come here from Aston Villa, a club itself on the up and in the Champions League – it was a great coup for us.”
Kasper Schmeichel has also labelled Sinisalo as someone who could ‘definetely’ reach the top level, so what type of role will he have as the Denmark international’s understudy this season?
Viljami Sinisalo’s involvement at Celtic this season
Celtic have cast an eye to the future by bringing in Sinisalo. Presumably, there are plans for the talented stopper to take the reigns from Schmeichel once the latter calls time on his Parkhead spell.
Nevertheless, we live in the here and now, and there is a burning question about his role this term. Last year, he gained plenty of first-team minutes on loan at Exeter City, keeping 14 clean sheets in 50 outings.
With that in mind, Celtic have a duty to ensure he still has time on the pitch to develop. Domestic cup competitions could provide an obvious route to introduce him to the pressure of competing for regular silverware.
Across the football landscape, ‘cup goalkeepers’ are a regular feature as clubs try to distribute minutes efficiently in the hunt for trophies. I’m not comparing names, but think of Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, Manchester City’s Stefan Ortega and Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher as off-the-cuff examples.
There is a long campaign ahead for Celtic. Bruising encounters in the Champions League and on league duty will require Schmeichel’s laser-sharp focus, which has been impressive so far between the sticks.
Unlike previous seasons, there is also an element of freedom for Rodgers. Sinisalo is available and raring to go, providing him with a secondary option if needed.
Viljami Sinisalo may be needed if injuries occur
God forbid Schmeichel picks up an injury at any point, but if he does, Sinisalo and Scott Bain await in reserve to deputise between the sticks.
The goalkeeping unit at any club is a strong one. Ultimately, they have to work in conjunction every day, so there isn’t any room for falling out.
Sinisalo will already have a big influence in that respect, and his time spent in the training field with his defensive teammates will have helped to build an understanding between both parties.
Sometimes, goalkeeping contingencies arrive to some hesitance from supporters. Given the Finland stopper has been acquired with succession planning in mind, hopefully, there will be a greater level of trust in the process present if he is called upon.
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