An attacking team by nature, Celtic has become synonymous with high-quality wingers over the years. Both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers, firs-time around, continued that fine tradition and the expectation is that Rodgers 2.0 will also heavily feature creativity from the wings.
In recent seasons we have been fortunate enjoy the likes of prime Patrick Roberts, Scott Sinclair, James Forrest, and Jota all strut their stuff on the wings. All four players have that sought-after ability to get bums off seats in anticipation of something exciting about to happen.
As we enter the transfer season, Celtic has already been linked with several new wingers including Yang Hyun-Jun of Gangwon FC and Melbourne City’s Marco Tilio, the latter apparently close to signing. being linked to the club in the last week.
With Celtic potentially in the market for more wingers, we ask what does that mean for those already at the club?
JOTA
Since arriving from Benfica, originally on loan, in the summer of 2021, Joat has been one of the club’s standout players. His flair, dribbling ability, and tendency to produce the extraordinary have made him a fan favourite at Celtic Park with his song ringing around the ground whenever he is on the ball.
What often does go unnoticed, however, is his work off the ball, something that has noticeably improved over the past 6 months. No longer is Jota simply a flashy winger, he has developed his game by adding to his defensive output.
If rumours are to be believed, Celtic may have to fend off several high-value offers for their Portuguese superstar this summer with Tottenham (yawn) and Ajax the latest to be linked.
However, if Jota’s double-denim photoshoot in the Brazen Head is anything to go by, the winger is in his happy place at Paradise. Rodgers track record of improving attacking talents could see the Portuguese elevate his game even further in the next 12 months as he looks to help the club progress in Europe.
Every time that Jota’s on the ball, there’s gonnae be a goal. Our superstar from Portugal.
DAIZEN MAEDA
Daizen Maeda’s Celtic future has been called into question by fans following Ange’s departure and the arrival of Brendan Rodgers. Out of all of the players that Ange brought in, Maeda was definitely the one whose style of play was tailor-made for Ange Postecoglou’s football.
Maeda’s high-energy performances brought a different dimension to the Celtic attack with the wingers usually the first to lead Celtic’s press from the front. While not the most technically gifted of Celtic’s wide options, Maeda’s work rate and defensive attributes made him a cornerstone of Ange’s team.
How he will fare under Brendan Rodgers, however, could be a completely different story. The Northern Irishman is known for favouring more technical wingers with the ability to beat their main and deliver telling crosses into the middle.
If Maeda is to succeed under Rodgers he will have to work on this aspect of his game. Thankfully, the Japanese forward appears to be determined to do just that. Speaking after Japan’s recent victory over Peru, Maeda said that: “I know I still have a long way to go to develop as a player on the left side of attack.”
Maeda’s recognition of his need to improve his footballing deficiencies, along with the coaching of Harry Kewell, could see him improve further under Rodgers.
LIEL ABADA
Abada was one of Ange’s first signings two summers ago and scored the first goal of the Postecoglou era against FC Midtjylland. Since then, he has gone on to score 28 goals and provide 20 assists in 101 appearances.
However, the Israeli’s future is an interesting one to consider this summer. After switching agents last year to FSB, the agency which also represents Josip Juranovic, rumours linking the 21-year-old with a move to the English Premier League or to Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax have begun to circulate.
As the rumours began to heat up, Abada’s game time started to lessen with minutes becoming harder to come by. However, the return of Brendan Rodgers could provide a brand of football more suited to Abada’s more direct style of play.
At just 21 years old, Abada has plenty of time left to get his next big move and Brendan Rodgers’ high-profile reputation could just sway him to spend one more year at the club with some guaranteed starting minutes.
JAMES FORREST
James Forrest is no doubt a Celtic legend. He also saw the best days of his career under Brendan Rodgers and is someone that Rodgers will want to keep around the squad to help integrate new signings and youth players.
Forrest’s game was built around his pace, something that has dwindled over the years as age and injury have caught up with the 32-year-old.
With the potential addition of more wingers on the horizon, Forrest’s game time next season will be extremely limited. However, as he showed up at Pittodrie last season, there’s still life in the old dog yet and his experience around the dressing room could prove to be invaluable.
ROCCO VATA
At 18-years-old and already with some first-team minutes under his belt, the future looks bright for young Rocco Vata.
As the highest-rated prospect in Celtic’s B team ranks, Vata was given his first-team bow last season under Ange Postecoglou. Impressive cameos against Hibs and Motherwell have left the fans wanting to see more of the Irish youth international.
Quick and direct, Vata has the raw abilities that Rodgers looks for in a winger. If he is able to continue his current progression, then there is every reason to think that 2023/24 could be a breakout season for the young winger.
James McKenzie / Kevin McCluskie
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