It is a cliche in football that if a team has a goal-scoring striker who can net in 20-25 goals a season and lead the line efficiently, that team will achieve success in that particular year. Of course, a solid defensive structure helps the team mature and grow in stature but at the end of the day, it is putting the ball at the back of the net that wins football games.
Celtic are short of depth in this department. After the departure of Moussa Dembele very late in the summer transfer window, they were down to two forwards, Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard, both of whom haven’t been as prolific. Furthermore, the former is undergoing a personal problem related to his mental health, hence, the club can’t force him to recover quickly and get back into the team.
Thus, as per the current situation, the Hoops only have Edouard as the only option for the number nine role. The Frenchman has scored 8 goals in 16 appearances but relying on him for the second part of the season could be a mistake.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are in the Europa League as well, which resumes in February, and they have a tough last-32 tie against Valencia.
For all the above reasons mentioned, there is almost an open invitation for Celtic to sign a striker next month. And Steven Fletcher could be an answer to this problem. Here’s why:
Steven Fletcher is an experienced player who has already played in the Scottish league before with Hibernian between 2004 and 2009. In that time span, the Scottish international scored 52 goals in 189 appearances. Hence, he possesses the know-how of handling the pressure of playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Furthermore, the 31-year-old has gone on to play in the Premier League and in the Championship in England and has scored goals everywhere. So having the striker in the squad guarantees goals and 100% commitment to the cause.
His height (186cm) helps him to win aerial duels and be a threat from set-pieces and provide the knockdowns for runners around him. His shooting in and around the box is pretty lethal as well, meaning a defender cannot give him space and time with the ball. He may not possess brisk pace, but the propensity on the ball is something of the higher order.
Celtic shouldn’t think twice before getting Fletcher on board at the Parkhead in January.
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