Call-ups for Denayer and Van Dijk prove national dreams can come true at Hoops
THERE are more countries represented at Parkhead these days than in Judith Chalmers’ passport.
From norway to Wales and Ghana to Bulgaria, the Celtic dressing room represents the knitting together of a rich tapestry of cultures.
And nowhere is that more evident than in the make-up of the entire back line that kept out Dinamo Zagreb in thursday’s Europa league tie.
next week all five Hoops heroes will jet off around the world as part of their respective national team squads.
Keeper Craig Gordon will be with Gordon Strachan’s Scotland set-up for the matches against Poland and Georgia.
Full-backs Efe Ambrose and Emilio izaguirre will line-up for nigeria and Honduras after playing for them this summer at the World Cup in Brazil.
Yet it’s the national service of central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jason Denayer which is of the most interest to Celtic boss Ronny Deila right now.
After louis van Gaal left him out of his 23-man group which made it all the way to the World Cup semi-finals, Van Dijk finally got the call-up to Holland’ squad last month.
it was a huge boost for the big stopper, even if he stayed on the bench for the matches against italy and the Czechs.
And this week Denayer was named in Belgium’s all-star squad to take on Andorra and Bosnia in the Euro qualifiers, replacing injured Barcelona star thomas Vermaelen.
it’s recognition which Deila hopes won’t go unnoticed in the football world.
Celtic have struggled for years to attract established players to Scotland, given the financial rewards to be reaped in England and elsewhere in Europe. there is also the fear that playing in our league can hinder a player’s international aspirations, part of the reason why Fraser Forster swapped the Hoops for Southampton.
While Van Dijk and Denayer may have a bit to go to become regulars in their national sides, Deila believes the pair’s recognition can entice others to follow their path to Celtic.
He also insists the defensive duo have improved as a result of the training and coaching they have received under him and his back-up team.
“Both of them are of a very high quality,” the norwegian said. “And when you add our goalkeeper into things as well, it is very hard for other teams to get beyond those three.
“When i was at Stromsgodset we didn’t have money, so we had to have something else.
“We told good players that if they came to us they would get the chance to play, and they would also get a real education and develop as a player.
“that is what we’ve started here in Glasgow too.
“the call-up for Jason is very important. it shows that when you have a good environment and work in the right way, then this is what you can get out of players.
“it’s something you learn when you get to a big club.
“it’s very easy for a coach at a small team to say, ‘if i had the money they have we could not lose’. But if the environment makes people bad then there is not a big difference between a £1million or £10m player. it can get quite even.
“it’s about getting the best out of the players and we have done that with Jason.”
DEilA is also confident that Van Dijk has improved this season and could star in future with one of Europe’s leading teams.
He said: “Virgil looks fit and sharp. He is better now and is improving all the time.
“i hope that when he leaves Celtic he goes to a top, top international club. We’re talking about one that could win the Champions league.
“that’s the goal but, of course, i want to keep him here as he’s a vital player for us.”
Van Dijk’s class was evident on thursday night as Zagreb bombarded the Celtic penalty
box relentlessly in search of an equaliser.
The Dutchman was a rock against a tide of attacks from the Croatians and helped to steady a Hoops back line that was under intense pressure for most of the second half.
Denayer told SportTimes yesterday he feels his game is improving as a result of Van Dijk’s calming influence.
Today his manager claimed the former Groningen starlet is the “perfect defender”.
Deila said: “If Virgil gets consistency in his play and is even more disciplined, I can’t see any weaknesses.
“He is quick, strong, good on the ball and calm. He reads the game well and is good in the air. You name it, Virgil’s got it. He has everything.
“He is the perfect defender and is improving all the time. But every day he has to step up in training to get even better.”
WHILE Celtic will expect to make a pretty penny whenever Van Dijk flies the nest, the Hoops are hopeful his defensive partner Denayer could be tempted to hang around for a bit longer.
The 19-year-old defender is on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.
Deila, however, is hoping the potential lure of Champions League football next term – combined with his rapid progress at Parkhead – could entice the player and club to extend the deal.
Asked if Denayer could force his way into City’s first team next season, the Celtic manager said: “We will see but it is important that we also think of Celtic.
“I hope we can build him up but also keep him for the Champions League if we win the Premiership then qualify for it next year.
“He can be an important player for us in that situation.
“If we build someone up and then lose him, it’s hard to get that relationship back again.
“We have a very good bond with Manchester City, there is good co-operation there. We talk well together.
“Jason is still very young to be playing at this level. If we win the league and go into the Champions League it would be a perfect scenario for him.
“He maybe needs a couple of years more at this high level.”