Celtic have made a solid start to the season as they are yet to be beaten in domestic competitions. They might have crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers, but they made it to the UEFA Europa League which must have been a consolation. The Hoops have looked good even though they have had some major injury crisis, especially at the back.
Lennon recently revealed the extent of Jozo Simunovic’s injuries, and he is unlikely to play again this year. With Dedryck Boyata departing in the summer, Simunovic could have become a mainstay at the back, but he is now sidelined for a few months.
Why can Lennon consider Benkovic
With Celtic set to compete in multiple competitions, it might be worth considering going after a defender in January. Moreover, Lennon can look to bring in a tried and tested option in Filip Benkovic who enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Parkhead last season. The centre back is yet to feature for Leicester City this season, and he has even failed to make it to the bench on numerous occasions. There is no doubt that he is well behind the pecking order at the King Power Stadium and Celtic should consider a January loan move.
Moreover, we think that even Rodgers and the player might be keen on it given the success Benkovic had while playing for the Hoops last season.
Benkovic’s qualities
Benkovic is an impressive reader of the game, and there is a certain sense of nonchalance to his approach as he hardly used to break a sweat while playing in defence last season. Blessed with impressive physical qualities, the Croatian is strong and dominant in the air and can win a lot of physical duels. To top it all of, he is calm and composed in possession and can play his way out of the back with ease.
Chances of Celtic going after a defender?
We think that Nir Bitton’s impressive showing earlier in defence could mean that Lennon might not look for a centre back in January. Hatem Abd Elhamed has also proved his versatility by playing at right-back or as a centre-back. Therefore Celtic seem to have the answers to deal with Simunovic’s injuries.
However, if the opportunity is there, then we think that they should consider going after Benkovic as he could make the Hoops look good at the back. Celtic will likely fight on all fronts, and they might need some extra backup in a long season.
