Celtic, the champions of Scotland, had a slow start but picked it up with time in terms of summer signings. They needed reinforcements in the aftermath of several high-profile exits, and the club are still sweating over the future of a few amid interest from a host of European heavyweights.
Odsonne Edouard became a crucial figure in the Hoops’ attack soon after the departure of Moussa Dembele. His game improved gradually over the past couple of campaigns, and the former Paris St-Germain starlet started showing why Celtic paid a club-record fee to secure his services. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lazio have shortlisted the Frenchman as one of their prime transfer targets. However, Neil Lennon is determined to keep hold of him fending off interest from the potential suitors.
“We don’t want him to go, you can see we have the makings of a very good team and it’s important to keep your kingpins and he is certainly one of them.”
The gaffer hailed the youngster (as quoted by the Scottish Sun) and highlighted his significance ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby.
Why Celtic Must Retain Him Irrespective Of The Speculations
Celtic might rope in a few more names ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, but they do not have enough time to line up an alternative of Odsonne Edouard. Leigh Griffiths and Vakoun Issouf Bayo are in great shape too, but the impact of the 21-year-old is unparalleled. His ability to turn things around under pressure has made him irreplaceable right now in the Hoops’ attacking third. His work-rate is enormous and the timely goals, as well as assists on big occasions, are going to be crucial in meeting their season goals.
How Lennon Should Deploy Him Going Forward
He is a prolific ‘number 9’ who has fired in 5 times and laid on five more already this season. It is to be seen now how Lennon rotates Bayo and Griffiths to spearhead the Bhoys attack. However, Edouard should be treated as the first-choice if stays fit shaking off the recent fitness concerns.
Although a 4-2-3-1 is preferred these days by the Northern Irishman, he could tweak his set-up a bit and utilise the former Les Bleus youth international as the second striker to get the most out of him in the build-ups. His link-up play, positioning and smart one-twos often open up space in the opponents’ defence, and the Parkhead chief must have kept all these in his mind before describing him as one of the ‘kingpins’.
