Scottish top flight’s defending champions Celtic were absolutely sensational last season in the domestic competitions, as they clinched the Scottish Cup, League Cup, and Scottish Premiership title. The Celts appeared miles ahead of their fellow Scottish sides, but having created such a buzz last term, the continuation of their sublime form this season as well would hold paramount importance.
Apart from keeping their territorial supremacy intact, the Glasgow giants would look forward to erecting a strong footing for themselves in the Champions League as well. Celtic have been penciled alongside Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Anderlecht in the group stage of the lucrative European club competition, UEFA Champions League and it goes without saying the depth of their squad would be tested this season.
During the summer transfer window, the Hoops have preferred to beef up their squad with quality and have lured Olivier Ntcham, Kundai Benyu, Jonny Hayes, Odsonne Edouard and Patrick Roberts to the Celtic Park. Amidst the names that have been signed, the entry of one particular that should have left the Celtic faithful with sheer contentment is that of Roberts.
Roberts emerged through the youth ranks of Molesey Juniors, AFC Wimbledon, and Fulham, and was then promoted to the senior side of the Cottagers. In the summer of 2015, Premier League giants Manchester City made him sign on the dotted line but the winger failed to carve a footing for himself with the blue half of Manchester. Eventually, he was sent on loan to Celtic in the January transfer window on an eighteen-month deal.
His first loan spell with the Bhoys was very productive, the winger even smashed 15 goals across all competitions last season. At the end of last season, he moved back to his parent club. But with the availability of the plethora of stars in the books of Pep Guardiola, he has been shipped out on loan to Celtic yet again. Having accumulated substantial experience of Scottish football, Rodgers’ move to sign him made complete sense.
Roberts is a player of significant calibre who possesses electric pace in his boots and has a low centre of gravity. He enters into dangerous positions and despite not having a daunting figure, he makes substantial impact week in and week out with his crisp passes and sharp movements. Besides, the 20-year-old is someone who can change the complexion of the game with his productivity in the final third and undoubtedly the quality of Celtic’s ranks has elevated with the signing of this Englishman.
