Blink twice and you’ll miss it; that’s the order of the day when analysing the style of football Ange Postecoglou could bring with him to Celtic.
The Hoops finally announced their new manager on Thursday morning as the Australian entered Parkhead with the promise of getting straight down to business in the transfer market.
Celtic’s summer plans have been thrown into disarray after their pursuit of Eddie Howe collapsed. He already had various targets in mind but the goalposts have moved now Postecoglou is at the helm.
The 55-year-old favours an attacking brand of football, one which involves a high press. Therefore, in order to settle into his rhythm as quickly as possible, he’ll need to find players who suit what he wants in the final third.
The Bhoys already possess a number of captivating weapons in forward areas. James Forrest missed a large portion of last season with injury but scored 16 goals in 2019/20. Player of the Year, David Turnbull, will also look to make an instant impact under the new boss.
That being said, it’s an individual in the mould of Turnbull whom Postecoglou should look to bring to Paradise.
That happens to be a certain Ryan Gauld, who has had a one-year contract extension triggered with Portuguese side Farense but Celtic were one of the clubs being tipped to sign him by fan media.
Gauld left Scotland as a teenager when he took the brave decision of moving to Sporting Lisbon. Now a Portuguese speaker with Brazilian flair, the 25-year-old possesses technical qualities rarely seen in Scottish players.
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Calls were made for him to be included in Steve Clarke’s squad for the European Championship but he missed out despite scoring nine goals and registering seven assists this term. It’s likely that Turnbull was given a place ahead of him, but the duo could work in beautiful tandem if he moves to Celtic.
Gauld has matured significantly while in Portugal, taking his tally for Liga NOS outfit Farense to 20 goals in 71 outings. Described as a “complete” player by his manager Sergio Vieira, the attacking midfielder could ensure Postecoglou starts his Celtic tenure with a bang.
He already knows the Premiership and has the attacking qualities to thrive in the Australian’s system. In 2020/21, the former Dundee United gem recorded 2.4 shots, 2.3 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game.
For context, that’s more attempts on goal than Turnbull (2.2) and also more dribbles (0.4). Based on that, they would likely complement each other in the middle very well.
The Hoops need vibrant young players approaching the prime of their careers this summer; Gauld certainly ticks that box and would be a stellar acquisition. His attacking brand of football would suit the new manager perfectly.
AND in other news, Postecoglou could find Celtic’s new Mark Viduka by signing “clinical” 41-goal bully…