Maik Nawrocki signing for Celtic today is great news for everyone involved at the club. At just 22-years-old, Nawrocki has plenty of potential for development and judging by his clips and Brendan Rodgers glowing endorsement of the player, it looks like we could have struck gold once again in the transfer market.
Of course, nobody has seen him play in a Celtic shirt yet, so some may very well argue that it’s far too early to judge this particular book by its cover. However, what is undeniable and abundantly clear is that Maik Nawrocki offers us more flexibility when it comes to formations and tactical set-up.
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Able to play with both feet, that versatility will enable the manager to set the side up in a three man defence if he fancies it, depending on the opposition. For quite some time, the supporters have bemoaned that we have been too rigid in the way in which we line-up and the structure should be more malleable if we are to progress further in European competition.
Ange Postecoglou never wavered at all from his 4-3-3 formation and tended more to change the personnel involved within the structure, as opposed to changing the set-up of the team. It’s something that had begun to be called into question, and not since Neil Lennon’s time in charge of the club have we seen a three-man defence being deployed.
Nawrocki’s signing is exciting because it offers this flexibility to be used if and when required. Rodgers admitted that he usually ends up attacking in a 3-4-3 formation anyway. Even if he doesn’t change to a three-man defensive set-up for the time being, it still gives us more balance at the back and means we can recover and be on the front foot that bit quicker. Not to mention his threat in the air – something that’s been sadly lacking for some time.
I’m really looking forward to seeing this guy play.
Paul Gillespie
