Would Jordan Larsson fit in at Parkhead?

Celtic transfer scouting: Swede’s own qualities could make dream a reality

SENTIMENT, more than logic, has typically underpinned the Jordan Larsson to Celtic gossip in recent years. Son of the great Henrik Larsson, who illuminated Parkhead with 242 in 315 matches, the 25-year-old Swede is potentially on the club’s transfer radar this summer after his contract was mutually terminated by Spartak Moscow amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are in a settled place heading into the new campaign, although they may require added firepower in attack if they are to make a dent in the Champions League group stages.

Larsson spent the latter stages of the season on loan at AIK in his homeland but had been a regular for Spartak beforehand, starting five of their six Europa League matches last term before they were tossed out of the competition in the knockout rounds.

The Sweden international netted three times after his return to the Allsvenskan, although more encouraging from a Celtic perspective is his strong underlying goalscoring numbers. He is marginally underperforming his xG by 1.06, meaning he has scored a goal fewer than he would be expected to given the quality of chances.

To put into context, Hacken’s Alexander Jeremejeff currently leads the goalscoring standings in the Swedish top-flight, but his xG figures are more closely aligned with those of Larsson’s. It suggests that the latter is not an inherently streaky finisher and thus that he could be primed for a strong goalscoring season in the division this year.

The timing of Larsson’s attempts at goal are also particularly noteworthy, especially given the aggression with which Postecoglou’s teams typically play. He tends to unleash at goal with great regularity during the opening 15 minutes of matches, in a similar way to how Celtic often look to punish opponents straight out of the traps.

Wedded to this, Larsson is the type of player who would bring the Parkhead crowd to its feet with his ability to test the opposition goalkeeper. There are perhaps parallels with the notoriously triggerhappy Ryan Christie in that respect, a player whom Postecoglou was beginning to coax the best out of in an attacking sense before his move to AFC Bournemouth last summer.

Indeed, Larsson ranks sixth in the division for shot assists per 90 minutes this year, underlining his creative credentials despite being a front-foot player.

Given the high volume of players with which Celtic tend to attack, Larsson’s penchant for shooting could in turn lead to an increase in deflections and ricochet opportunities inside the penalty area for team-mates. Against the packed defences of the Scottish Premiership, this could actually benefit the Hoops immensely.

Meanwhile, the Swede’s shot assist numbers are likely a consequence of his direct dribbling style. Despite often being deployed as a central striker, Larsson has played off the right over the years and still retains an ability to drive into dangerous areas with the ball. Crucially, a high percentage of his dribbling actions lead to a shot.

Equally, there could still be scope for Postecoglou to improve Larsson’s decisionmaking post-dribble. The Hoops faithful have witnessed first-hand the impact the Greek-Australian has had in refining Jota’s decision-making last season, for instance.

The Swede’s ball progression numbers make for encouraging reading in this regard. Larsson is effective at dribbling from out-to-in, opening up the possibility that he could once again be deployed in a wide role at Parkhead.

The width in Postecoglou’s sides come almost solely from the wingers, with the fullbacks and number 8s often occupying the half-spaces while the wide men receive on the touchline and look to attack diagonally. Larsson’s progressive runs certainly appear to dovetail well with that.

Pressing is a non-negotiable quality in a Postecoglou side, with Larsson having already displayed signs that he can be a tireless runner off the ball. His numbers are heavily influenced by the nature of his side’s defensive approach but his raw recovery numbers underline a player who is not afraid to contest defensive duels.

Football supporters can often allow their heart to rule

He would bring the Parkhead crowd to its feet

over their head, but on this occasion there is substance; Larsson provides a genuinely interesting free transfer quandary as Celtic look to bolster their attacking options.

His potential acquisition will be dictated by his footballing ability relative to Postecoglou’s system more than anything else. An exciting and direct dribbler, Larsson certainly has the confidence that his father never lacked and he also has the versatility to operate in a number of roles across the forward line for a team like Celtic.

The Swede has previously described a move to Parkhead as a “dream”. His qualities as an individual player could help him realise it.