Celtic are closing in on another summer signing and a professional Australian football scout has provided fans with an insight on what to expect.
It has been reported this weekend that the Bhoys have agreed on a fee with Melbourne City for Australian international attacker Marco Tilio. While personal terms and a medical are yet to be finalised, he looks like a good shout to become the club’s second transfer since Brendan Rodgers’ return, after Odin Thiago Holm’s move was completed.
Marco Tilio’s strengths and weaknesses as Celtic make move
Popular social media account ‘AussieScout’ has published a pretty detailed Twitter thread running down Tilio’s strengths and weaknesses, with the verdict positive on the player’s suitability for a move to Europe.
AussieScout describes Tilio as “one of Australia’s best and most unique talents” and highlights his versatility. It’s said Tilio can play in a variety of positions across the attack and even back into midfield, with his most effective role arguably as ‘number 10’ or second striker despite being deployed mostly as a winger.
Later in the thread, it’s noted that the 21-year-old is most dangerous with his left foot, scoring the “vast majority” of his professional goals from that side. However, it’s also said that he is adept with his right foot and that this “ambidexterity means he is unpredictable for defenders” in the A-League.
Tilio’s dribbling skills are also described as strength. AussieScout states that he is a “genuine technician” who is at his best in one-on-one close encounters with the opposition.
One of his apparent weaknesses is his crossing ability, which is said to be inconsistent, especially from the left flank.
The scout goes on to say that Tilio is more of a Jota-type winger than a Liel Abada-like attacker. A ball carrier who can exploit defenders with skill and dribbling, rather than with his athleticism running in behind.
It’s worth reading the entire thread for more insights and highlights from his time at City. AussieScout delves into his stature, work rate and game intelligence. Tilio has an interesting profile and after 15 direct goal contributions over the last season, ready for a step up from the domestic Australian game.
Our thanks go to AussieScout for providing Celtic fans with information on a player many of us will never have watched in action.
In other news, John Hartson picks his transfer priorities for Celtic to spend big on.
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