One of the main standouts from last night’s game and subsequent victory over Denmark was the display of Hearts’ centre-back, John Souttar. Souttar was superb last night (as most of the team were to be fair), and if Celtic aren’t considering this guy for a pre-contract move to Paradise, then something is totally wrong.
Souttar has always been a player that I have rated since his days with Dundee United. He always looked strong in the tackle, calm under pressure and most importantly, excellent in the air. The latter is a key component of title winning sides of years past I fear we lack incredibly. A centre-back that is equally as good in the opponents box as he is in our own. Since Chris Jullien has been out we always look slightly vulnerable from set-pieces and not aggressive enough at them in the opposing penalty area. Cameron Carter-Vickers is decent but he is not totally dominant when rising to meet the ball at times I feel, whilst Carl Starfelt doesn’t look to be the type for that sort of thing in my opinion.
However, Souttar is splendid in the air, although I wouldn’t say last night’s headed goal was particularly phenomenal in all honesty. It still did the job though, and they all count that’s for sure – even more so when your chasing a seeded spot in the World Cup play-offs! The player has been through a torrid time with injuries and it was great to see him play and get a goal after what must have been Hell for him in the recent past. It is in no small part due to him and his fellow defenders at Tyncastle that Hearts find themselves in an enviable position in the league, outside the top two. This is the best they have been for years and John Souttar is a vital cog in that particular machine, make no mistake about it.
The fact that John has come through all those spectacular lows to emerge at the other end with a Scotland cap and a goal is evidence of his determination as a person and a player. Dare I say the type that Ange Postecoglou would like to work with? If Celtic are looking for more defensive reinforcements in the central area, then it would be unforgivably negligent on their part if John Souttar isn’t being considered as a target. The value on offer for a player of that age, with that experience under his belt, and who is good in the air could not be matched so easily.
Another major plus would be that he wouldn’t need any settling in time either, as he knows the league and what Celtic are all about. The opportunity to win titles and silverware should be a tantalising prospect for John, especially at this part of his career when he is entering his peak years. Surely he would jump at the chance? Meanwhile, there has also been rumblings of the Ibrox club making a play for John, which will only be heightened by the fact they will have a new manager and looking for value in the market due to their need for austerity.
The move for John Souttar makes perfect sense. I know it’s not something Celtic are terribly used to using for the most part. But with Ange at the helm, hopefully he sees that their is value in the Scottish league. We let Ali McCann and John McGinn go. We can’t afford to take the chance on another in the form of Hearts’ John Souttar.
It’s low-risk/high-reward.
Make it happen, Celtic.
Paul Gillespie
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He’s too slow for our system. Which I think is why we went for Ayer instead of him. The injuries he’s picked up along the way won’t have helped that.
We’d either have to switch to 3 at the back to cover him for pace or defend 30 odd yards closer to our goal.
He is a good player though &, assuming he stays injury free, will do well for a club that plays that type of system.
Not a bad call Paul. Souter is a proven performer in the SPL. He would bring a lot of dig to the defence. Will he be up to the Europa/CL, well why not, he showed his worth last night against a top team. With the standard of coaching he would get at Lennox town he can only get better.