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Chris Sutton hails Celtic playmaker Ryan Christie

Dom Toner

Sat 26 October 2019 19:15, UK

Chris Sutton is blown away by the quality of playmaker Ryan Christie and views him as a talisman in the Celtic team.

The 24-year-old has been in stunning form so far his campaign and was instrumental on Thursday with a goal and assist in the 2-1 win over Lazio in the Europa League group stages.

He is an attacking midfielder that is effective in a role just behind the striker and he helps pull the strings in the final third.

The Scotland international has scored 12 times in 20 games across all competitions so far this season, as well as chipping in with six assists.

Ex-Celtic forward Sutton has waxed lyrical about the ability of in-form ace Christie and is confident he’s cemented his spot in the XI.

“Christie sets a rapid tempo for the team. His work off the ball sets the tone. He closes people down at speed and keeps it going the entire game. That drives others to do the same,”

“When he has the ball, he has such technique and vision. His little scooped pass for Edouard to volley wide the other night is the sort of invention you love to see.

“The main thing is Christie gives you goals, he gives you them at big moments now and he also provides assists. Christie is the full package and I can pay him no bigger compliment than saying there seems absolutely no way back for Tom Rogic in terms of that No.10 position.”

TBR’s View:

Christie has been the standout performer on a weekly basis this season for Celtic and has developed into such a vital player for manager Neil Lennon.

The left-footed Scotsman has made huge improvements to his game during the last year and it would be difficult to picture him not in the team now.

His performances on the European stage prove that he’s a top talent and he’s managed a couple of goals in the opening three group fixtures, where Celtic have been performing against quality opposition.