A major ingredient in a club’s development is the ability of the club to spot and more importantly invest on the right players. In the modern era, where big money transfers have become the norm and a scouting network that has spread like a web to an extent that even a prospect with a glimpse of promise is snapped up in the blink of an eye, it is important for the clubs with lesser funds to find the right targets and more importantly use them well to win matches and championships. This is what makes the report of Daniel Sturridge to Celtic an important move for the Hoops.
Sturridge, who had formed a lethal partnership with Luis Suarez at Liverpool, has seen his form wane over the years. His cause has been further damaged by recurring injuries and the striker is no longer an important player at Anfield. The likes of Firmino, Mane and Salah have taken over the attacking responsibilities leaving Sturridge demoted to a role on the bench.
The striker has just made 14 appearances for the Reds this season and has scored only thrice. His time at the club has been frustrating this season and the English forward this season has not played enough despite being fit. He was snubbed for the Three Lions call this time and Brendan Rogers of Celtic might want to look at Sturridge as a viable and tested option who would be keen to join any club where he can play more with the 2018 FIFA World Cup coming up.
For Celtic, it is not regular to think that a side who lost 7-1in Europe on a certain midweek to be playing a domestic cup final that very same weekend. However, Celtic’s domestic performances have been very contrasting to their European form this season. While in the Scottish Premier League they have been nothing but ruthless and dominating, their Champions League adventure has seen them struggle in front of the European powerhouses.
Celtic have won fifteen and drawn six in the league and lost just once. However, as one might recall, they opened their Champions League campaign with a heavy defeat drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint Germain and were again reminded of the difference in class between the two sides in their last outing when they were thrashed 7-1.
They, however, still clinched the third spot and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League, once again reminding Europe that they are there and thereabouts. With the club managing to hang around in Europe and a domestic season where they look set to clinch another title, a new addition to the team is not the worst idea, especially given the fact that their current hitman Moussa Dembele might soon be on the move.
