Promise of Compper crucial to how Celtic play

Celtic were not back to their brilliant best last night but two very fine goals and denying Partick Thistle any resemblance of a chance was more than satisfactory. Importantly, last night was the last onerous fixture Celtic players have the middle of February. There are no European or international fixtures until then, so our players will play the same amount of football as others in the league.

Partick were as poor at team as we have seen this season but it took an exceptional piece of play from Stuart Armstrong to open them up. Stuart and Tom Rogic both have the ability to win games from the edge of the area, an underappreciated resource.

The promise of Marvin Compper is that he is a fast central defender, good in the air and, more importantly, can receive and make a pass. The role of central defenders has changed beyond recognition since the days of Bobo Balde. They are now more playmaker than stopper. Celtic’s entire system of play depends on central defenders who can find space with passes out of defence.

There will be no resale value from Marvin, but at £1m he is an investment we can afford to write-off over the next two years.

Welcome to Celtic, Marvin.

Win an overnight stay at Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews with Eden Mill

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Buy a SIGNED copy of Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and you will receive a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise signed by BERTIE AULD! All the Willie Wallace ones are gone so it’s time for Ten Thirty! Only £18.88 Inc 1st class post for pre-Xmas delivery: https://t.co/1Dn24pdMeA pic.twitter.com/70THi8M4Kn

— CQN Magazine (@CQNMagazine) December 20, 2017

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