Celtic’s season was one of great success and supporters will spend much of this summer reflecting on what could be a once in a lifetime campaign. For Brendan Rodgers and his squad though it’s all about building to the future and focusing on the challenges ahead.
It’s a relatively short break for the Hoops compared to most teams on the continent. They are due to play UEFA Champions League qualifiers in July, with the draw for that made in just a couple of weeks’ time.
The core of a fantastic Celtic team is there, they have an excellent goalkeeper, a couple of exceptional defenders, an energetic Scottish midfield and of course a devastating frontline in Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele.
Key to their treble success in Rodgers first season was their consistency in defence and of their centre-backs, one man stood above the rest – Jozo Simunovic. The Croatian was in fantastic form throughout and at just 22 years of age his ceiling is high. Remarkably for a player of such a young age, it was the second time in his career that he went the entire league season unbeaten, also achieving the feat with Dinamo Zagreb.
He will likely be a mainstay of the Hoops first team next season again but we reckon he needs a partner of quality to really bring Celtic to the next level in Europe.
Here are THREE defenders we think Rodgers should target to partner the big man…
Martin Caceres While he may have only made one appearance for Southampton after joining in January, Caceres has lots of experience at the top level of football having made over 100 appearances for Juventus in Serie A and over 100 appearances in Spanish football for Sevilla, Barcelona and Recreativo.Having also gained 68 caps for his country, playing in two World Cups and multiple Copa Americas, it’s clear he has experience that would greatly enhance the Hoops squad.Brendan Rodgers is hoping to make significant progress in Europe and bringing in an experienced hand could be a big step towards that, especially when you consider he has dozens of appearances in UEFA competition.Linked with a move for the Uruguayan in a reported free transfer, this feels like a no-brainer for Celtic if they can compete with English Premier League wages and get the deal done.
Jean-Kevin Duverne
Just 19 years old, Duverne broke into the Lens team at the start of the season and became a massive part of their effort to gain promotion to Ligue 1, narrowly missing out on that achievement by a heartbreaking one point. He made 41 appearances for the French club in all competitions.
One of the best defensive prospects in his homeland, switching to a big club with the promise of first team European football is a tempting move for an ambitious young player.
Brendan Rodgers is one of the best coaches around to work with youth, just look at the teenage talent that has performed so excellently for Celtic over the last 12 months.
Duverne fits the profile at the Hoops; young and talented with the potential to grow as a player and an asset.
Jozo Simunovic has shown he has a maturity beyond his years when it comes to defending so there would be no issue in pairing the two and in fact, having pace and energy in the position would actually suit Celtic perfectly.
Joe Gomez
Gomez failed to make a single Premier League appearance at Liverpool this season, having to make do with just three FA Cup appearances. To be fair, he did spend much of the season recovering from a serious injury but his inability to then break into the first team at Anfield perhaps points to the fact he may not have a long-term future at the club.
Still, there is undoubted talent there; a good season at Charlton, 10 appearances for Liverpool and representing England at four youth levels to U21 speak to that.
Just 20 years of age and with a strong reputation, the Hoops probably would be unable to arrange a permanent transfer but a long-term loan in the vein of Patrick Roberts’ trip north could do wonders for both the club, the player and ultimately Liverpool.
With the versatility to play in the centre of defence and on the right hand side he could provide a quality option without the need to spend a chunky transfer fee.
