NEEDS A BROONY
... and Celtic have to sign a new Van Dijk, declares Vata
THE sight of Virgil van Dijk in last month’s Champions League final underlined what an extraordinary piece of business Celtic had done. Signed in June 2013 from Groningen in a £2.6million deal, then Parkhead manager Neil Lennon admitted wondering how on earth this RollsRoyce of a centre-back had escaped the attention of far richer buyers.
A £13m sale to Southampton two years later was followed by a £6m sell-on bonus when Liverpool broke the record fee for a defender by splashing out £75m on the Dutchman.
Van Dijk’s signing proved the gift that kept on giving for his former club in Glasgow.
While the finance it generated may be difficult to repeat in future, ex-Celtic defender Rudi Vata insists the defender’s on-field influence needs to be recaptured as soon as possible.
Arguing that Brendan Rodgers’ backline needs reinforced with quality before they embark on another European campaign, Vata believes it is realistic for the Parkhead scouting system to turn up a worthy successor to Van Dijk.
‘They do need a top-quality defender — 100 per cent,’ said the Albanian, who played for Celtic between 1993 and 1996.
‘Since Virgil van Dijk left, they haven’t had someone with that personality to command the backline and give you a presence.
‘Van Dijk was a big hit and he was a top player. Not only was he excellent at the back, he was taking free-kicks and was very good in standard (set-piece) situations.
‘Celtic need to find another like Van Dijk and I’d imagine if they do the right scouting, they can find one in Europe.
‘In leagues like Holland or Belgium, there will be some there. Countries where they don’t need to spend big money.
‘They have done it in the past and I can’t see why they won’t be able to do it again.’
Vata was impressed by Kristoffer Ajer’s emergence in defence last season, but feels the young Norwegian requires a stronger presence by his side. Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic and injury-hit Marvin Compper are the more experienced options available to Parkhead manager Rodgers.
‘Ajer is going to have a great future,’ added Vata. ‘He is playing so well with his national team now, playing full games and I watched him against Albania.
‘He is growing up as a player but he needs someone beside him with experience to make him better.
‘Without any doubt, I’m sure Ajer will grow into a big defender but he needs some help.
‘Simunovic has had his injury problems which have stopped him growing into the game in Scotland. I don’t know about his general health situation. I believe that he is a good footballer but he’s a little bit quiet for me.
‘Celtic need someone who is hard, with presence to command the line. That is most important.’
It is these kind of leaders, players with an additional X-factor, that Vata believes Celtic require if they are to take the next step in their continental ambitions.
Last season saw Rodgers’ side finish third in their Champions League group before making a last-32 exit to Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League. Vata, though, believes their sights should be set higher.
‘It would be nice to see a new (Henrik) Larsson at Celtic, or a new (Lubomir) Moravcik,’ continued Vata. ‘It’s a big club but I know it is not an easy task.
‘You need to find the right characters with the right attitude and the right talent.
‘Celtic are playing their cards right financially. They are secure and they are strong.
‘But I would love to see this club doing what Martin O’Neill did (taking them to the then UEFA Cup final in 2003).
‘Brendan Rodgers has all the ability in the world as a manager to make Celtic a big force in Europe, but it’s a question of finding those two or three top players to make that stage.
‘When you look at Celtic’s results and the trophies they have won, they are without doubt the best team in Scotland.
‘But when it comes to Europe, it is obviously a different ball game.
‘I think Celtic are not there to compete at the top level and need some big names to go and play for them.
‘If that happens, they wouldn’t be far away because the fans are there. No one competes with them.
‘They can beat any team and win any trophy in Scotland, but I’d love to see them doing well in the Champions League. European football is where Celtic have to aim to get with the best.’
‘Someone with presence at the back is needed’