Celtic are looking to secure the services of Liverpool midfielder Pedro Chirivella by the end of this transfer window. According to Goal, the Spanish youngster is eager to be reunited with his former manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park after declining a move to Norway during this summer transfer period.
The 21-year-old has failed to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team so far but has gained a lot of experience for the Liverpool youth teams over the past few years.
Chirivella has already had two loan spells away at the Netherlands with Go Ahead Eagles and Willem II respectively since his arrival at Merseyside from Valencia in the summer of 2013. However, he found it tough while playing in the Dutch Eredivisie last season as he could only conjure up four assists in 35 matches for Willem II. It is no secret that the Valencia-born sensation is still learning his trade and needs regular game time to fulfil his real potential.
Do The Hoops Need A Midfielder?
The Celtic midfield is stocked with players like Scott Brown, Tom Rogic, Nir Bitton, Scott Allan, Olivier Ntcham, Eboue Kouassi and Ryan Christie. Unless Rodgers decides to let one of his midfielders leave, it makes no sense for Celtic to make a move for Liverpool’s Chirivella.
All of the current Celtic midfielders might not be in the ‘world-class’ bracket, but they are hard workers who are eager to improve themselves. Rodgers should trust his players and try to guide them towards another successful campaign in the Scottish top-flight.
What Will Chirivella Offer To This Current Celtic Side?
The Reds youngster has gained a wealth of experience at the youth level and in the Dutch top-flight. However, he is still untested at the highest level and will only make up the numbers under Rodgers, if Celtic does manage to get the signing done.
The Reds starlet could be an ideal option for the Bhoys if Rodgers is confident that he can get the best out of the midfielder in the coming years.
Chirivella operates typically as a box to box midfielder and can dribble with the ball effectively using his pace. He can also track back and defend when needed, which makes him an all-around talent. However, his shooting lets him down time and again and this is something Chirivella needs to work on if he wants to find success in European football.
Will Chirivella Fit Brendan Rodgers’ Style Of Play?
Rodgers is customarily known to opt for a fluid 4-3-3 formation or a more solid 4-2-3-1 formation during his time at Celtic Park. What makes Chirivella a useful resource is his outstanding versatility as the Spaniard can play in multiple positions in the middle of the pitch. He can operate as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box attacking midfield role. He can also be deployed on the right flank, which makes him a perfect fit for Rodgers’ system.
If the potential transfer goes through, Chirivella will be a quality squad player at Parkhead, but he is far from the finished product and would need time to take his game to the next level.
