“Stand out”: Former Celtic hero Andy Walker is the best Scottish midfield player of the past 20 years

The one component the Celtic fans simply love about their crew is that over the years, we have enjoyed staring at a range of extremely proficient players grace the inexperienced and white hoops.

Henrik Larsson is a name that without delay comes to every Celtic supporter’s mind. Probably alongside players like Lubo Moravcik, Moussa Dembele and Paul McStay.

Tommy Burns, Jimmy Johnstone and Billy McNeill are also up there with the legends of Celtic Park.

In fact, there are so many first-rate gamers that you ought to mention it would be not possible to suit all the names into one article.

So to slim it down, the pundits on Go Radio have been challenged to name the best midfielder Scotland has ever had in the final 20 years and Andy Walker nailed it with his suggestions.

Walker stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “One that straight away sprang to thought for me was once a former teammate of mine.

“Gary McAllister went on to have such a extremely good profession at Leicester, Leeds and Liverpool, of course, by no means thought Scotland.

“But I think if you’ve gained the Champions League, anyone like Paul Lambert would stand out and another former teammate John Collins.”

Indeed, Paul Lambert used to be a incredible player for Celtic and a actual using pressure for Martin O’Neill’s group that cruised to a treble in his first season and to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.

25 Mar 2000: Paul Lambert of Glasgow Celtic challenges Rod Wallace of Glasgow Rangers during the Scottish Premier Division match at Ibrox Stadium …

One of Lambert’s standout Celtic moments was his piledriver towards Rangers in the 1998 New Year Glasgow Derby that sealed a 2-0 win and helped Celtic end the Ibrox club’s bid for ten in a row.

As well as prevailing the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, Lambert picked up four Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups for the duration of his six-year continue to be at Paradise.

One of Celtic’s greats, Lambert will continually be remembered as one of the first-rate gamers ever to pull on the inexperienced and white Hoops.

Brendan Rodgers says he and his teammate have benefited from the Celtic star’s suspension

South Korea international ready to play large phase in title race insists Parkhead boss.

Yang Hyun-Jun’s season used to be grounded just as he commenced to take flight at Celtic after seeing purple against Hearts. But Brendan Rodgers insists being sent off in Edinburgh should in reality be the catalyst for the forward’s perfect take off returned in Glasgow.

Not only that but the Hoops boss hopes that controversial Tynecastle choice might simply have helped get two wing options flying in time for the commercial enterprise quit of the title race after Nicolas Kuhn replaced his fellow wide man and moved nearer to top tools following his January arrival from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers blew his top at the officials after Yang was once pink carded for a high boot in the 2-0 defeat to the Jambos. His outburst landed him with a disciplinary date at Hampden on Thursday and he’s nevertheless adamant the choice was wrong.

But the time between Yang’s two-game ban and worldwide wreck has been used accurately away from the highlight and the South Korea worldwide is now nearer to a stage of fitness that Rodgers believes can fuel a cost to the end line.

The 21-year-old is back accessible for resolution as Celtic head for Livingston on Sunday understanding a win is without a doubt necessary to retaining their title defence on course. And Rodgers hopes supporters are about to see the best of Yang. He said: “I can see his progress. He did brilliant towards Dundee and he has been progressing each day in training.

“We spoke to him (after the pink card). It wasn’t his fault, it was once unlucky and unluckily he has neglected a couple of games. He will be back and feeling outstanding and if something it gave us the probability to put Nicolas Kuhn in aswell.

“Now he looks like he has come onto his sport and searching stronger. He appears a unique player in coaching now. It’s been a top notch probability for him.

“So, if nothing else, after these couple of games what we received from that is sport time for Nicolas who has shown up genuinely well, then Yang comes lower back and we have two surely right gamers for that position.

“He (Yang) has been working on his typical game, his grasp out on the field. His analysis at the back of the scenes. Getting his higher physique strength because it’s a bodily recreation here and in Europe.

“Whatever league you are in in Britain it’s a physically demanding league. He has simply grown at some stage in the season and it’s so accurate to see.”

It’s been a stop-start campaign for the South Korean who has made 27 appearances seeing that signing a five-year deal at Parkhead from Gangwon in his fatherland remaining summer.

Voted K League Young Player of the Year the season before arriving in Scotland there were high hopes for the youngster and his exceptional has shone via in patches most quite in home and away wins over Aberdeen and that 7-1 thrashing of Dundee closing month.

Since returning from worldwide responsibility at the Asian Cup in January – the place he made two appearances off the bench against Australia and Jordan – Yang has taken home performances onto the subsequent level with his strong jogging and willingness to take his man on.

But one flick of his proper boot in opposition to Hearts at the begin of the month noticed his momentum all at once stall. Rodgers insists it’s only natural that younger players touring almost 1/2 the world for a new project in their profession take time to settle.

It’s a fact of existence the Parkhead manager fears some critics are too rapid to forget. He said: “People not only forget about it but don’t apprehend it, or don’t desire to understand it.

“You can’t just drop anyone in to a soccer membership from the other aspect of the world and anticipate them to adapt to the culture, food, training… all the a range of aspects it takes.

“Some do, for some others it takes time and you have to supply these players that time. Especially a younger participant to come into a club of this magnitude. You have to work with them and bring them through. We can see clear developments and with a bit of luck that continues.”

Yang, of course, wasn’t by myself in making the ride from his homeland to the east end of Glasgow returned in July. Kwon Hyeok-kyu used to be unveiled on the same day after agreeing a change from Busan IPark.

But if Yang’s shape at Celtic Park has been a slow burner, Kwon’s is nonetheless waiting to ignite. The 23-year-old protective midfielder has but to play a minute for the Hoops, as an alternative being sent on mortgage to St Mirren in January the place he has considering made eight appearances.

Rodgers insists he’s been completely satisfied with the reviews of the South Korea U23 international’s growth in Paisley beforehand of the subsequent selection being made on his profession in the summer. He said: “It’s an opportunity to go and play. We are sincerely pleased.

“I spoke to Stephen, he wished sport time with the squad being too massive here. He is a gifted player and optimistically he has gone and proven that and the guys are really delighted with him there.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers isn’t worrying about Scotland’s automatic Champions League spot which is putting precariously with all our facets out of Europe. Czech Republic will overtake Scotland in the co-efficient rankings if Viktoria Plzen draw even just one leg of their Conference League quarter-final in opposition to Fiorentina – meaning Scotland’s champions would be pressured to qualify again from season 2025-26.

But Rodgers said: “For us it’s about getting there alternatively which way we get there. The co-efficient we need to strive and work it as exceptional we can to get our teams in. Yeah you’d choose the place to be here however we shall wait and see.”

Angus Gunn is a “good” prospect for Celtic, but a Pundit cautions that there is one situation in which the keeper wouldn’t consider a switch

Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for a new no. 1 with Joe Hart set to retire at the give up of the Premiership season.

With Celtic looking for a new no. 1 this summer, they should do worse than seem to be to the current Scotland keeper.

Angus Gunn has taken over the gloves at some stage in Craig Gordon’s long damage absence, however now the veteran is lower back and combat to regain his region in times for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany this summer. Gunn endured between the sticks as Steve Clarke’s facet went down 4-0 to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night with Gordon on the bench.

Joe Hart will be hanging up his gloves in the summer, leaving Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new pair of palms in goal. Rivals Rangers had been in a comparable situation ultimate yr with Allan McGregor calling it a day. Despite most of his summer time recruitment proving disastrous, Michael Beale pulled a rabbit out the hat in Jack Butland and Rodgers has been advised to look in the same market.

However, Norwich are still in the playoff hunt and if the Canaries do end in the top six and win the ultimate cash prize at Wembley, then that would take Gunn into a distinctive stratosphere. However, failure to go up and former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson reckons Gunn ought to be on Celtic’s radar providing Norwich remain in the Championship

“It’s a desirable shout,” Ferguson advised Go Radio. “I didn’t suppose he had the best of video games the other night towards the Dutch. but he’s in reality impressed me given that he came into the global fold.

“He’s a appropriate goalkeeper enjoying at a top level down there. But it will all rely if they get into the playoffs, whether they get into the Premier League. If they do get into the Premier League, there is no way that it’s going to cross his mind to go away Norwich.

“But if they do not get promoted, then I assume it should be one that Celtic would without a doubt seem at. He’s a very desirable goalkeeper.”

Rangers suffer twin injury setback as Celtic and Hearts both qualify for Copa America – SPFL international round-up

How the Scottish Premiership gamers on worldwide duty fared throughout the weekend’s matches

Rangers double harm blow

Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz is facing a spell on the sidelines after choosing up an injury playing for Turkey. The 22-year-old gained his seventh cap in the 1-0 win over Hungary on Friday but used to be pressured off after simply 27 minutes with a thigh problem. Yilmaz has been ruled out of Tuesday’s upcoming fixture towards Austria and has been despatched returned to Ibrox for cure and diagnosis. The Turkish football federation stated in a statement: “A mandatory trade has been made in the candidate squad of our National Team, which will play in opposition to Austria in a unique match on Tuesday, March 26. Our defender Rıdvan Yılmaz used to be removed from the candidate squad due to the harm he suffered in his higher left thigh muscle in the in shape against Hungary yesterday.” In a in addition blow to Rangers, winger Ross McCausland has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s upcoming suit in opposition to Scotland. The 20-year-old neglected the 1-1 draw in Romania on Friday and manager Michael O’Neill admits he is not going to characteristic at Hampden on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, it looks like Ross McCausland won’t make it,” O’Neill stated of the 20-year-old. “It would have been fantastic to get Ross the opportunity.” Both Yilmaz and McCausland now show up in a race against time to match for the upcoming Old Firm conflict in opposition to Celtic on April 7.

Celtic and Hearts duo qualify for Copa America 

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Hearts attacker Kenneth Vargas will play tournament football this summer after helping their respective countries reach the Copa America finals.Johnston played 90 minutes as Canada advanced with a 2-0 play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago, which included St Johnstone’s Dan Phillips. Meanwhile, Vargas came off the bench to assist Costa Rica earn their place in the playoffs with a 3-1 victory over Honduras, who were missing Celtic winger Luis Palma due to injury. Canada, which includes Motherwell attacker Theo Bair, will face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on June 21.Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers might possibly play in the tournament after the United States qualified last year, however the center-back has been left out of recent squads due to injuries.

Celtic duo earn Ireland caps

Celtic pair Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston both got here off the bench to help Ireland claim a decent goalless draw with Belgium in Dublin on Satuday. Idah was once added as a seventieth minute alternative for Brighton ahead Evan Ferguson, who ignored a first-half penalty, whilst Johnston, who is presently on loan at West Brom, came on a minute later for Sammie Szmodics. Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath remained an unused substitute. Ireland host Switzerland on Tuesday.

No second cap for O’Riley

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley used to be left on the bench as Denmark and Switzerland battled out a goalless draw in Copenhagen. The 23-year-old received his first cap against Northern Ireland in November and will hope to be involved when the Danes host Faroe Islands in a pleasant on Tuesday.

Other wonderful appearances

St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov kept a smooth sheet on his 0.33 look for Bulgaria in a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Friday. Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski netted the opener for North Macedonia in their 1-1 draw with Moldova. Rangers winger Ianis Hagi, currently on loan at Alaves, came off the bench in the 75th minute for Romania in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in Bucharest.

How Rangers and Celtic players rated during Scotland against Holland, as Manchester United great gets 5 and Liverpool man gets 7

Players acquainted to Rangers and Celtic have been in motion against the Dutch side.

Scotland fell to a painful 4-0 defeat in opposition to Netherlands during a Euro 2024 warm-up match.

This may have been a pleasant but Steve Clarke’s men had been treating it as something but with valuable locations at the match in Germany this summer season up for grabs. And they commenced bright, with Lawrence Shankland going shut and Ryan Christie rattling the bar.

Tijani Reijnders used to be given space to hit a long-range strike and the AC Milan discovered the top corner, in a sucker punch after some neat play from the traffic in the first half. After a Memphis Depay hazard to double the lead was smartly stopped by way of Angus Gunn, John McGinn and Christie each spurned possibilities to get returned to level terms.

Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo was once subsequent to check Gunn between the sticks, as the largest risk after the opener fell to Hearts megastar Shankland. An error at the lower back allowed him to pick his spot however he should solely crack the bar.

Soon after the Dutch had doubled their lead, as Georginio Wijnaldum obtained across Rangers defender John Souttar and transformed into the net. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay then ignored a clear header from a pass via Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston as away probabilities refused to locate the net.

It was a brutal lesson in the end, as Wout Weghorst headed domestic and an offside entice gone incorrect allowed Donyell Malen to add a fourth in scientific fashion. Next up is a friendly with Northern Ireland on the 26th. Here’s how Glasgow World rated the Scotland players in Amsterdam, which includes stars from Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and more.

1. Angus Gunn – 5/10

A statue for most of the first half of before the goal gave him no chance. Terrific save to deny Memphis Depay but will be disappointed through the goal rush. Established variety one.

2. Nathan Patterson – 5/10

Great crosses into the box caused havoc early on. First intention got here from play down his side but little he ought to do. Second he didn’t end the pass before Ralston replaced him.

3. Ryan Porteous – 6/10

Couldn’t get near Reijnders for the goal even though rarely at fault for the raker that followed. Great gallops into the opposition 1/2 to win possession high up however drew too some distance across for the 2d goal.

4. Jack Hendry – 5/10

Instrumental in building out from the back. Steady presence in the returned three but turned too without difficulty against Depay earlier than a first-rate Gunn save. Caught trying at the third as a corner wasn’t dealt with.

5. Kieran Tierney – 7/10

Great run to deny a positive Holland goalscoring chance. Keeping him healthy for Germany a must. Operates with class.

6. Andrew Robertson – 7/10

A few wayward crosses but did without a doubt well to exploit Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking desires. More particular balls into the field could have reduce Netherlands large open. Photo: Ian MacNicol

7. Scott McTominay – 5/10

Got stuck into the midfield battle. No major attacking chance with his midfield responsibilities maintaining him busy, before lacking a gaping headed chance. Caught under the ball for the third. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

8. Billy Gilmour – 6/10

Super reading of the recreation against elite opposition. Tidy passing, left as the man going through up Reijnders at the first goal. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

9. Ryan Christie – 7/10

Thriving at Bournemouth in a box-to-box function and exceeded the license to do that here. Tireless, unlucky not to score. Header rattled the bar and some other hazard have to have found the corner.

10. John McGinn – 6/10

Bundle of electricity as is the norm. Forced a excellent keep in the 2d 1/2 but protective duties meant he couldn’t have as plenty of an attacking impact. Couple of pictures he’d desire to have back.

11. Lawrence Shankland – 6/10

Great movement to fashion a danger for himself early on and no enviable venture having to maintain the ball up versus Virgil Van Dijk. Teed up Gilmour for a go when he could have perhaps shot himself, before a large shot hit the bar. A extremely good danger for Shankland to see what level is required if he is to start towards elite opposition in Germany, and for Clarke to see how he coped with such a task. Photo: Rob Casey – SNS Group

12. Che Adams – 4/10

Replaced Shankland just shy of 20 minutes to go. Did little of note.

13. John Souttar – 3/10

Came on for Tierney to construct on his Rangers form. Wijnaldum left him for useless at the second. Took up attacking positions in the Dutch half of to start passing moves but then played Holland onside for the fourth. A brutal lesson.

14. Lewis Ferguson – 5/10

Got his hazard when changing Gilmour. Played deep but could not have an effect on play. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

15. Anthony Ralston – 5/10

Replaced Patterson and need to have had an help with an outstanding move McTominay ought to have converted.

16. Stuart Armstrong – 4/10

Arrived into action for ex-Celtic teammate Christie. Minimal impact.

17. Kenny McLean – 3/10

Late introduction as he came on for McGinn

The Celtic problem with Cameron Carter-Vickers as pundit issues a stark verdict

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is on a trip to attempt and make sure each one of his key guys are suit to play a section in their title charge.

Club captain Callum McGregor, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate and Republic of Ireland international Liam Scales are amongst our sidelined absentees; however, all should return for the trip to face Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena subsequent weekend.

Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma are also unavailable due to injury; meanwhile, several of our different gamers are away on international responsibility over the next week and a half.

Rodgers confirmed that despite Cameron Carter-Vickers coming through our 3-1 victory at home to St Johnstone unscathed, he is continuing his health restoration at Lennoxtown rather than travelling to hyperlink up with the United States countrywide team.

He stated: “I just worried that he would then go away and be concerned in a couple of games when they are massive video games and perhaps more so in June. We had a desirable chat and it used to be determined that he stays at the back of and does his work with us and tries to then stay healthy for the rest of the season.”

Nobody desires to take needless dangers with the health of our megastar players, so it used to be a good selection from both parties to go away Carter-Vickers in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old has been rushed back one too many instances this season in the wake of more than a few concerns, and it is refreshing to see that we aren’t about to repeat the trick.

Jim Duffy problems blunt verdict on Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers is expected to be a pivotal participant for the rest of the campaign; however, pundit Jim Duffy believes Celtic ought to only play the Southend-born man if he is a hundred percent prepared to perform amid the pressure of the title race.

Speaking via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the 64-year-old has warned Rodgers and organization that they can’t find the money for to take any chances on his fitness.

He stated: “His exceptional is that he can get away with being sixty five to 70% fit, but if it’s a muscle injury, that simply can’t happen. You’re simply going to worsen it, you’re simply going to put yourself out for longer spells, and that’s possibly what’s happened (in the past).

“They’ve tried to manipulate it, they’ve taken him off, they’ve used him sparingly, however there comes a time at this stage in the season, you’ve received to be 100%.

“The intensity, the demands, there is no probability now to take the foot off the gas. You’ve acquired to be absolutely 100% full steam in advance if you choose to win this title. Carter-Vickers has to be a fundamental section of that, but he has to be at his best.”

Duffy has a point. With the congested fixture time table on the horizon, Celtic solely area Carter-Vickers if they are positive he will be in a position to come through fixtures barring repercussions.

Without his availability, we aren’t the equal pressure and appear far more possibly to concede without the former Tottenham Hotspur man’s presence.

Hopefully, we can make certain he is match-ready as we make one closing push to strive and claim a third successive league trophy.

Carl Starfelt shares off-pitch health concerns following Spanish move

Carl Starfelt has encountered massive challenges off the pitch following his cross to Spanish membership Celta Vigo.

The Swedish defender, who joined Celta Vigo after a successful two-year stint with Celtic, has been scuffling with a thriller sickness that compelled him to miss countless La Liga matches.

The root motive of his fitness issues grew to become out to be a mold infestation in his apartment, which led to recurrent ailment and respiratory problems.

Starfelt’s discovery of mildew in a couple of areas of his flat, inclusive of the bathroom, residing room, and terrace, prompted him to go out and are trying to find accommodation in a hotel, the place he has been living for the previous six weeks.

He said: [SunSport] “In the beginning I obtained ill all the time, four or 5 times a month.

“I was very tired, had trouble respiration via my nose and matters like that. It wasn’t a exciting period.”

I tried to figure out what it was. I changed my diet, my sleep and all that kind of stuff.

“But then I managed to pick out it.

“There was a gap in the roof.

“And it’s already damp in Vigo.

“So it would in all likelihood have obtained more moisture in there, and become very mouldy.

“It was new, like nothing I had skilled before.

“Now I’m dwelling in a hotel, and have been doing so for the ultimate month and a half.

“It feels a whole lot better. I have made a full recovery.

“I won’t move again there, even if the mold is removed. I’ll see if I can locate some thing else.

“Otherwise I’ll stay in a lodge for the relaxation of the season.”

Despite these non-public struggles, Starfelt has persevered to provoke on the subject for Celta Vigo.

He’s been a large miss for Celtic this season, the excellent and consistency he delivered to the back line has been highlighted by using Celtic struggles this season.

He was a key participant in securing 5 trophies, which include a treble ultimate season.

Etienne Vaessen scouted: Has Celtic already discovered a Joe Hart replacement?

Celtic have reportedly made a ‘concrete offer’ to RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen.

According to Dutch media outlet Brabants Dagblad, the club have made an early pass for the 28-year-old who is out of contract with relegation-threatened Waalwijk at the stop of this season.

With current range one Joe Hart retiring this summer, reinforcements in the goalkeeping branch will be high on the agenda for the Premiership Champions’ recruitment team now and in the coming weeks.

 

So, would Vaessen, who is also said to be attracting pastime from Eredivisie competitors PSV Eindhoven, match the invoice as a practicable Hart replacement? Here, using Wyscout data, we take a closer appear at the Dutch keeper to locate out more.

Of course, it is well worth noting that data by no means gives a full photograph when analysing a player, even more so for goalkeepers who have a good deal more limited records points compared to outfield players. Goalkeeper data is additionally more closely influenced via team overall performance than any different position.

There are nonetheless a few key metrics that can be used to evaluate goalkeeper overall performance and provide an insight into their profiles.

Shot-stopping

Firstly, and arguably most importantly, is shot-stopping. Essentially, how nicely is a goalkeeper performing when it comes to their crucial role, maintaining the ball out of the net?

 

As can be seen in the above scatterplot, Vaessen is a standout in this season’s Eredivisie in his regard. He has, understandably given Waalwijk’s struggles this season, faced one of the best possible volumes of xG in opposition to in the league (1.86 per 90). However, he has only conceded 1.52 desires per 90, giving him the absolute best avoided desires (0.33 per 90) of any goalkeeper in the Eredivisie. Prevented dreams truly being the anticipated desires in opposition to minus conceded goals.

His universal averted goals have been well worth a 7.81 wonderful intention swing for his side. His ability to overperform versus the predicted quantity of dreams he ‘should’ have conceded has certainly been pivotal to Waalwijk’s efforts to remain in the Eredivisie this season.

From a shot-stopping perspective, this is via a ways Vaessen’s strongest season. Last season his avoided goals was once 1, while in the 21/22 season, he used to be very slightly beneath what he would have been expected to save (-0.27).

Over his complete career, all of which he has spent with Waalwijk, Vaessen has a superb averted desires total, conceding on common 1.51 dreams per 90 from 1.56 anticipated conceded desires per 90.

For comparison, Hart has tended, generally, to concede around what he would have ‘expected’ to at some point of his time with Celtic. Although this has been on the decline domestically and Europe has been a particular difficulty – Hart posted the lowest Shot Stopping proportion of any keeper in the competition this season, in accordance to StatsBomb data.

Sweeper Actions

The subsequent vicinity where statistics can be used to provide in addition insight into Vaessen is sweeper actions. Here, the facts shows Vaessen to be greater of a sweeper-keeper. He has the third-highest exits per 90 (1.90) in the Eredivisie, nearly twice as plenty as Hart has averaged this season (1.07 per 90). Some of this could well be accounted for by way of fewer assaults heading toward Hart’s intention than to Vaessen’s.

For aerial duels, Vaessen comes in round common for the quantity he is worried in (0.38 per 90). However, as the under picture shows, he does now not rank too nicely against his positional friends for his win proportion (66.67 per cent).

At 6’2, Vaessen is no longer the biggest goalkeeper (Hart is 6’5) so dealing with crosses is perhaps no longer the strongest section of his game. It is well worth bearing in thinking here how small these volumes are, i.e. it would solely take one or two successes, or failures, to swing these considerably.

Distribution

Not something Hart has been overly cosy with all through his time in Glasgow, Rodgers has, predictably, endured to use the goalkeeper in build-up phases at some point of his 2d stint in the Celtic Park dugout. The following distribution scatterplot highlights some of Vaessen’s inclinations in this area.

Heavily influenced by way of crew style, Vaessen takes an even quantity of short/medium and long passes, indicating Waalwijk range their build-up play.

The above photo from Wyscout sheds some greater light, showing how profitable Vaessen is in his passing from open play across various distances.

Here we can see he has only misplaced one of 139 passes at 0-20m in the final year. His basic Short pass accuracy of 97.77 per cent is average, to barely above average, for a goalkeeper in the Eredivisie in the final 12 months.

The image additionally highlights that he isn’t quite as correct over longer distances. This is typically the case for any player but his 59.5 per cent skip accuracy is under average for a keeper in the Dutch top-flight over the final year.

Given that Celtic don’t tend to go direct too often, Hart has solely attempted an average of 3.24 long passes this season, this is doubtlessly not a massive issue, ought to Vaessen make a cross to Parkhead this summer.

Conclusion

Vaessen is an fascinating link. His performances in this season’s Eredivisie, particularly his shot-stopping, could be considered as some thing of a bit of an ‘overperformance’. Equally though, given his age, an argument ought to be made that this is down to him coming into his peak years – late 20s to 30 is often viewed top for goalkeepers.

He doubtlessly profiles as more of a sweeper-keeper, which would be fantastic given Celtic frequently holds a high line, domestically anyway. At 6’2, he possibly doesn’t have the traditional presence of a ‘big guy in goals’ so there may be some question marks over how he would potentially deal with the bodily aspect of Scottish football though.

His distribution numbers appear regular enough. However, right here it would stay to be seen how this scaled to a much greater possession-dominant Celtic team compared to a facet struggling in the Eredivisie that is averaging less of the ball than their opponents most weeks.

Going from dealing with an xG of nearly two per sport to round 0.67 (Celtic’s xG Against in the Scottish Premiership this season, Wyscout) would additionally be an adjustment for Vaessen. Out with European games, Celtic keepers may also frequently solely be required to make simply one, perhaps two, vital saves a game.

This special environment a Celtic goalkeeper finds themselves in, and some of the formerly noted obstacles of goalkeeper data, make coming to any definitive judgements here tricky.

However, what can be stated is that Vaessen is a peak-age goalkeeper performing persistently properly in a first-class league. Off the lower back of his strongest shot-stopping season and displaying signs of an capability to contribute correctly to the build-up and in sweeping, he would signify a promising candidate for subsequent season’s Celtic number-one jersey.

Reo Hatate on Celtic’s “slow burn” as supporters were forced to wait for the MOST important midfield player

The Hoops midfielder has suffered an harm hit campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ champions.

Peter Grant isn’t always sure Celtic fans will see the REAL Reo Hatate any time soon after a prolonged spell out.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed closing week that the big name midfielder has been out on the grass as he continues to work closer to full fitness. It’s been an harm plagued marketing campaign for the fans’ favorite with simply 13 appearances to his identify this term. The hope is he will re-join the squad following the global spoil and will teach with these not on responsibility in this period as the season enters the enterprise end.

A big showdown with Rangers is on the horizon before the league cut up and when the fixtures are launched as the top and bottom six find out their fate. Both derbies will prove massive in the destiny of the Scottish Premiership title this campaign. Hatate’s return will come as a large improve to Rodgers and the Parkhead faithful.

Fellow pundit and Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson also reckons Celtic will now not see the nice of Hatate until NEXT season and that his return will be a bit of a ‘slow burner’.

Grant informed Go Radio: “It offers you an opportunity to get people returned match [International break]. I think that is important. People discuss about Hatate however I just think he has simply been out too lengthy to come and have an impact.

“Barry will inform you. It does not count how good you are, how well you train or how many exercise fits you put on. You be aware of you can watch yourself in them except placing that depth in. It’s very, very difficult to be excessive no count what if it is a training in shape as you can walk off or do anything. The depth is completely different.

“For the length Celtic are going into, I’m no longer sure. He can be handy however is he going to be the Reo Hatate? I suppose it is not possible to be out that length of time to come straight lower back in and be that player. I thinking he was getting again to the structure he had from his remaining injury. The manager had left him on the bench [start of the season] and I think it was once the Kilmarnock sport was his first-rate sport and then receives injured. Sod’s law. That used to be him lower back at his best.

“I just assume it is very hard when you’ve got been out that duration of time. Guys who have been out a week or so, that is a bit simpler.”

Co-pundit Ferguson added: “I don’t suppose you will see the high-quality of Hatate till subsequent season. You can teach and run on the training ground as lots as you desire but nothing beats taking part in video games of soccer and getting 90 minutes into the legs. I think it will be a sluggish burner for him and he will comprehend that himself.

“You’ve obtained to be really, virtually careful. He’s a fantastic operator no doubt about it however I do not assume you will see him at his quality till next season.”