If Oliver Abildgaard isn’t the answer then we can trust Ange to find a solution

The Rumour Mill this week has had Celtic cutting ties with Danish midfielder, Oliver Abildgaard while Ange Postecoglou responded positively by naming the Danish midfielder on his substitutes bench last night for the Scottish Premiership match against Hibs at Easter Road. Abildgaard remained a spectator though as Celtic stormed to a 4-0 victory to see out 2022 with a nine points lead at the top of the league looking down on theRangers.

Sydney FC’s Joseph Lolley (L) Celtic FC’s Oliver Abildgaard fight for the ball during the Sydney Super Cup football match between Celtic FC and Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on November 17, 2022(Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)

Many reckon that the big man never really managed to make his mark at Parkhead, even after the long-term injury to club captain, Callum McGregor. That was perhaps the time he really should have stepped up and made his move for that position in midfield.

However, Ange saw him every day in training and must have decided he isn’t up to the task of providing that screen in front of the defence. It may be a blessing that the move was just a loan deal and he never cost the club a pretty penny like years gone by. Nonetheless, it was still quite disappointing as we all hoped for big things from Oliver.

We have been crying out for a player of that profile for quite some time now and we should not stop until we find someone appropriate for the role. I still feel we miss that physicality and protection in the defensive-midfield area and haven’t had it since the days of Victor Wanyama. Nir Bitton was of that profile but wasn’t nearly mobile enough, despite his unquestionable technique on the ball.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – DECEMBER 5, 2020: Lokomotiv s Grzegorz Krychowiak, Rubin s Carl Starfelt and Oliver Abildgaard Photo: Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS

James McCarthy has never managed to be the signing we hoped for either in this regard, and it will only be a matter of time before he follows Oliver out of the club onto pastures new. The Republic of Ireland international has never been able to cope with the intensity of Angeball and it has shown with Ange’s lack of faith in his ability to perform in the system.

Rumours are swirling that Celtic and Ange have singled out another Japanese import for this extremely important role within the team. I trust Ange’s judgement and think that he is beyond reproach really when it comes to having an eye for talent. But I still feel we miss height and steel in the middle of the park and it shows in European football at times – and domestically too having said that.

Photo by Kieran McManus/Shutterstock 13439496cv Oliver Abildgaard of Celtic RB Leipzig v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Group F, Football, Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany – 05 Oct 2022 

So, I would certainly like to see us bring in someone similar in size and style to Oliver Abildgaard in the weeks ahead when the January transfer window opens. It would not only provide that security blanket in front of the defence, but it would allow Callum McGregor the freedom to put his wonderful technique and football brain to use in the attacking third of the pitch.

Paul Gillespie

About Author

I'm a Garngad Bhoy through and through. My first ever Celtic game was a friendly against Italian side Parma at Celtic Park, in 2002. Currently a student of English Literature and Education at the University of Strathclyde for my sins. Favourite game would be a toss up between beating Manchester United with that Naka freekick, or the game against the Oldco when Hesselink scored in the dying seconds. I'm still convinced Cal Mac is wasted playing that far back.

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