da brdice： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
da aposte e ganhe： Celtic made 11 new signings this summer, per Transfermarkt, but their greatest success in the market may just be the man they kept despite apparently wanting to leave.
What’s the word?
When Olivier Ntcham shockingly came out and said Scottish football was beneath him and that he wanted a move away, it seemed like only a matter of time before he sealed an exit.
He had managed just six goals and one assist last season, and it hardly seemed worthwhile keeping him around if he didn’t want to be at the club.
Neil Lennon brought him around though, and it may just be the smartest thing the gaffer did all summer.
Support for the skipper
Whether it’s being annoyed by the loudness of the teenagers you see on the street, finding music too loud, pulling your hamstring in a Sunday league match or falling asleep during movies, we all show signs of ageing eventually.
For Scott Brown, that sign seems to be giving away daft penalties, something he has done twice already this season, much to the annoyance of the Parkhead faithful.
The skipper is declining and needs to be rotated, and thus Lennon’s decision to keep Ntcham looks to be an absolute master-stroke.
The 23 year-old grabbed an impressive nine goals from midfield two seasons ago, and showed glimpses of his old self in Sunday’s Old Firm.
His clever one-two and driving run forward to set up Jonny Hayes sealed the match for the Hoops, and this isn’t the first time he has impressed fans this campaign.
It’s always sad when an iconic player starts to struggle, but keeping Ntcham, providing he continues to perform at this level, means the side will not suffer much from Brown’s inevitable decline.
Lennon has taken some stick from fans for his judgement this season, but standing firm against Ntcham’s desire to leave was absolutely genius, and could well prove crucial to the club’s objectives this term.
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