Celtic FC Opinion: Why Rodgers should sign Jonas Knudsen in the summer
Celtic are absolutely flying in 2019 and are very much on course for their eighth successive Scottish Premiership title following the nail-biting win at Kilmarnock.
Eight consecutive games won in a row without conceding since the turn of the year is a remarkable feat for Brendan Rodgers and company. The defeat against Valencia in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg gave the Hoops a reality check but domestically, they are unstoppable right now and hold an eight-point lead at the top of the pile.
Going back to the Valencia game, Rodgers must have got an idea of his side’s quality and what exactly he needs to do to make Celtic capable of challenging realistically in Europe. One of the areas he clearly needs to strengthen is the defence, especially at left-back.
Kieran Tierney is the best left-back in the country and there just cannot be any debate about it. But beyond Tierney, who hasn’t played since December 13th due to a hip and pelvic injury, Rodgers has the unreliable Emilio Izaguirre.
Izaguirre struggled massively against a well-drilled Valencia side and was caught out of position on a number of occasions, while he offered little support going forward into the attack. The Honduran looked completely out of depth and gave an idea as to why Celtic should bring in a new left-back in summer.
That said, the Hoops must snap up Ipswich Town star Jonas Knudsen on a free transfer.
Jonas Knudsen has been at Portman Road since 2015 having signed from Esbjerg fB and this season has made 26 league appearances for the Championship strugglers. The Dane is a solid, reliable defender and fared well at the World Cup in Russia last summer. He is renowned for his long throw-ins and can also fill in at defensive midfield.
A good crosser of the ball, the Denmark international is good in the air as well and versatile enough to operate at centre-back. Knudsen is vastly experienced and a very competent player, something that could tempt Rodgers to bring him at Parkhead.
Conclusion
Celtic would solve one of their biggest problems by bringing in a solid natural left-back in Knudsen.
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