The transfer window has finally slammed shut. Celtic have signed a lot of players. Some of them will have a part to play now. Some of them will have a part to play in the future.
However, just as important is the fact that none of Celtic’s key players left in the last days of the transfer window. One player in particular that fans will be pleased has stayed is Olivier Ntcham.
At one stage it looked as if Ntcham was certain to move on from the Hoops this summer. He indicated that he wanted to leave the club. Marseille were mentioned as a possible destination.
Move away from club didn’t happen
However, no move materialised. Ntcham has just got on with his game this season, and for the most part has turned in some excellent performances.
The latest of which can in the recent 2-0 win over Rangers. Ntcham might not have started the game. However, he showed his value to the side with a notable second-half cameo.
He helped the Hoops keep control of the game in the middle of the park. He then played a key role in setting up Celtic’s second goal.
Superb range of passes
His pass set up Jonny Hayes, who put the Hoops two goals ahead. That cameo showed the value of Ntcham, his passing range in particular.
Neil Lennon’s favoured midfield duo for the middle of the park are Callum McGregor and Scott Brown. However, that does not mean that Nctham can’t feature regularly for the team.
Perhaps on occasion he can replace Ryan Christie as an attacking midfielder in the team. That sort of position can suit Ntcham’s game.
No matter where he plays though, Ntcham can be very influential for the Hoops. He recently showed this at Ibrox. Hopefully he gets further chances to show his abilities throughout the rest of the season for Celtic.
Should that be the case, keeping Ntcham could be one of Celtic’s biggest success stories of the transfer window.
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