Brendan Rodgers’ magic is working brilliantly at Celtic since the Northern Irishman came to the helm replacing Ronny Deila, as the Hoops have taken their game to the next level. Yet to lose a single game in domestic football, Celtic have a 10-point lead at the top of the table already and look to be cruising on to the title. The Bhoys won the Premiership title in the last five seasons consecutively but one can easily see that this team is much more special and the credit goes to Rodgers.
All of Brendan Rodgers’ summer signings were superb. The likes of Sinclair, Dembele, Gamboa, Toure have made a huge difference at Celtic. If recent reports are to be believed, Rodgers wants more Premier League quality players at Celtic. The Daily Mail claims that Crystal Palace midfielder Jordan Mutch is the priority target of Rodgers in January. It is believed that a bid worth £3.5m could do the trick.
Well, it is not really a surprise to see Rodgers looking for a central midfielder. In the 4-2-3-1 system Rodgers believes in, there is no room for a generic defensive midfielder which is why Nir Bitton is not much wanted at Parkhead right now. The Israel international has often been overlooked by Rodgers of late while fielding the starting XI. Both Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor have done decent jobs in central roles but they are wingers by trade and therefore, Rodgers looking for a traditional number eight does make sense.
Mutch started his senior career at Birmingham City and, after loan spells at Hereford United, Doncaster Rovers and Watford, really hit the heights when reunited with old Vicarage Road gaffer Malky Mackay. The dynamic midfielder enjoyed a fine two seasons in Wales with Cardiff City before QPR spent a fortune to get his services. Mutch lasted just months at Loftus Road before moving to Palace, but Pardew has frozen him out of the squad for the majority of this term and the 24-year-old desperately needs a move now.
Mutch is predominantly a central midfielder but can also play as a number ten. A hard-working and athletic player, Mutch also boasts a strong physique. He has a big frame of 6′ and does not get easily overpowered by defenders. His career-best season was at Cardiff city in the Premier League in the 2013-14 season where he notched up 7 goals and eight assists from 37 games.
Mutch’s passing is pretty decent and he has the lungs to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. The 24-year-old’s style of play is comparable to that of Frank Lampard’s. The way Mutch arrives late into the box has often drawn comparisons with the Chelsea legend. Still only 24, Mutch’s best days are well ahead of him. Under a manager like Brendan Rodgers, Mutch can realistically bring his career back on track.
