With the Wizard of Oz Tom Rogic leaving Celtic after an extremely memorable and fruitful relationship with the club, it seems that we may be in need of a player who has similar attributes and qualities. Someone who may be considered a ‘luxury’ at times but nonetheless has that unique ability to provide class and a deft touch to unlock defences in a flash.
Rogic undoubtedly provided moments of sheer quality, even at the highest level in European competition. The game against Manchester City at home in particular springs to mind. That delightful half-turn was exceptional to watch at times during his Parkhead tenure and will always be remembered fondly.
The club has always managed to find space for a maverick; Lubo, Naka, even to a lesser extent Paddy McCourt. But we have always had these types of players in our squad. It’s almost as if they reflect the audacious and irreverent manner we play – which we all refer to as ‘The Celtic Way’. Players who might not graft and give the required output as some of their respective teammates, but certainly provide entertainment and silky smooth technique on the ball.
Having considered all this, I feel Celtic should explore the possibility of signing soon to be released Manchester United veteran midfielder, Juan Mata. Mata was one of the finest players in the Premier League during his pomp. Skill-wise his touch and overall technique on the ball was spell-binding at times. Not too dissimilar to the majestic David Silva, both of whom played for Valencia before their big moves to England.
Used more sparingly over the past few seasons at Old Trafford, he always brought that classiness and panache to proceedings whenever introduced to the field of play. It’s sad that such a player has been largely consigned to the scrap heap when you consider the time he could still have left to make an impact somewhere. Even at 34, the Spaniard could more than do a job at the top level for some club willing to take him on board.
That place should be Celtic Park.
We have seen the potential pitfalls of the bling name being brought to Scotland – don’t laugh at poor Aaron now! However, there is no denying that that particular signing had alarm bells ringing all over it from the get-go. His injuries alone have changed his career irrevocably at just 30-years-old. The difference in his body was even stark when looking at his time at Arsenal too when theRangers signed him in January.
With Mata, there is no denying there is an element of risk involved as is the case with any transfer. That being said, the potential spice and quality he could possibly add to the first team, plus the added experience heading into the Champions League for the first time in years could be invaluable to Ange Postecoglou having lost both Rogic and Bitton.
There’s no doubting Mata still belongs at a big club. There is life in the old dog yet and the kudos of having a player of that magnitude, whilst being able to use him as a marketing tool would be an astute move on the behalf of Michael Nicholson and the commercial team at Celtic Park. Shirt sales could also be used as a makeweight to subsidise the former Chelsea man’s salary.
With our long awaited return to the top table looming, it’s time to get creative.
Paul Gillespie
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Mata? Talk sense!
Are you having a laugh Paul?Parkhead scrapyard!!