COMMENT
The role of a defender has changed so significantly in the past few years, with the wing-back position becoming a pivotal part of any dominant attacking side.
Liverpool have recently proved the importance of attacking full backs after winning the Champions League with defenders’ Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold playing a key role in their European dominance.
The emergence of Kieran Tierney has been a real plus point for all involved at Celtic Park and it is now time to match the Scottish international with the introduction of a new full-back on the opposite flank.
Reputable online outlet Football Insider have reported that Neil Lennon is set to offer 32-year-old Mikael Lustig a new contract after initially releasing the Swedish international, and that would be a backwards step by the new Hoops’ boss.
Celtic would be making the wrong choice, and instead should take this opportunity to move on and bring in a younger, more attacking option to replicate the style of Liverpool, which could see them become even more dominant – not to mention securing 10 league title in a row.
Being so dominant in possession in every game they play, two fast-flowing attacking full-backs would add another dimension to their squad in overlapping their wingers and creating more chances for their side.
The recently linked George Baldock from Sheffield United would be a perfect addition as he has proved in Chris Wilder’s back five, he has all the ability going forward to add much more to the Celtic defence over the ageing Lustig.
Despite all the success achieved in his many years at Celtic Park, now is time to move on for Mikael Lustig, with Celtic and Neil Lennon ready to take their dominance even further.
First up though – two more league titles.