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News
‘Problem’: Chris Sutton claims Rodgers still needs to replace ‘amazing’ player who left Celtic this summer
With Brendan Rodgers looking to trim his Celtic squad in the coming months, Chris Sutton believes that the manager still needs to replace one player who left the club this summer.
Aaron Mooy retired this summer leaving Brendan Rodgers with a huge hole to fill in Celtic midfield.
Sutton said [], “You could argue [Aaron] Mooy hasn’t been replaced either as his performances kept O’Riley – the best player in the country this season – out of the team for long spells.
“They’ve been getting by but I’ve got some concerns about the midfield. Hatate is a huge blow.
“His dynamism will be a major miss in the next few months and it’s another problem for Rodgers to solve.”
Matt O’Riley has filled the Celtic void perfectly
The Danish u21 international has been superb for the Hoops since Rodgers arrived and is the club’s top scorer.
I think Sutton has it back to front. I believe O’Riley has replaced the ‘amazing‘ Mooy and Rodgers just hasn’t found the necessary quality to replace the 22-year-old on the bench.
Yes, he has brought in Odin Thiago Holm and Paulo Bernardo to help bulk up the depth of the squad but if the Celtic fans are really honest with themselves, they would say that the quality coming off the bench just isn’t quite at O’Riley’s level.
What’s also important to remember is that whilst Mooy was a very good player at Celtic, he only really came into a game in the second half of last season.
If O’Riley’s form hadn’t dipped then you could argue that Mooy wouldn’t have gotten a look in last season so it’s all swings and roundabouts really.
What can’t be argued against is that Rodgers does need to look at improving the quality coming off the bench. Bernardo has shown flashes of it but it seems like he isn’t fit enough yet to command a regular place in the side.
David Turnbull is making a case for himself but whilst his contract situation remains up in the air, as well as his consistency, many will regard him as not being the answer.
So it’s over to Rodgers. The Celtic fans will be hoping to see some incomings in January to help build the quality of the squad and no doubt the Hoops gaffer will have a few names in mind
In other news, ‘I’ve watched’: Pat Bonner believes 28-year-old Celtic player hasn’t been the same since Ange Postecoglou left