Ross Goodwin has been casting his eye over Celtic's summer transfer activity and today delivers the final part of his assessment.
You can read his verdict on the other nine new signings here.
Under the microscope today are Benfica loanee Joao Jota, Ireland international James McCarthy and Spurs defender Cameron Carter-Vickers
Joao Jota
From an initial viewing of Jota, I dubbed the winger ‘Patrick Roberts with pace’ and from his impressive opening spell, that has been justified. His trickery on the ball gives him the ability to ease past opposition defenders to create chances for himself or others. Celtic will be glad they have an option to buy as it already looks like Jota’s value is going to exponentially increase.
He had early success in his career starring at youth level in a Portugal under-21 side that went to the final of the European under-21 Championship. However, he couldn’t break into the Benfica starting eleven in part due to the extremely talented Everton Soares who is an elite winger about to enter his peak years.
Jota went out on loan to Valladolid in La Liga where his side were eventually relegated. This was a poor move as Valladolid were one of the weaker teams in the league and not possession dominant. This meant Jota’s main talents such as 1v1 dribbling were rarely utilised. Even with limited opportunities he still attempted to beat the man 6.35 times per 90, trying to impose himself in games where his side rarely attacked.
The player and his agent clearly learned from this and chose his next career move more wisely when joining Celtic. With his new team extremely dominant in possession the attacker would get more opportunities to show off his key attributes in the final 3rd and has already started providing goals and assists.
Jota has slotted into Ange Postecoglou's side perfectly with his high energy and directness leaving no doubt that Celtic should take up the option to make the move permanent come next summer.
James McCarthy
McCarthy seemed an odd signing for Ange’s system and I think from what we have seen so far, that concern is looking accurate.
He is more of a classic number 6 similar to Scott Brown, being very strong at spoiling play and recycling possession. However, in Callum McGregor’s absence, he is being asked to do a role he has never fulfilled throughout his career - as a deep playmaker.
This has had the consequence of slowing Celtic’s play down and forcing the team wide more often as he isn’t as capable at playing line breaking frequently.
Even defensively so far he has struggled as he gets up to speed, having a duel success rate of only 48%, although I’m sure that’ll improve.
McCarthy will likely be most useful against stronger opposition such as in Europe or against Rangers when more defensive minded players can be utilised effectively.
A 30-year-old McCarthy on a 4-year deal with his injury record was an extreme risk from the club, that I hope pays off, but so far, I’m unconvinced over his suitability for ‘Ange-Ball’.
Cameron Carters-Vickers
CCV joined on deadline day providing Ange with some desperately needed depth at centre-back. At only 23 he comes in after a good season for Bournemouth helping them reach the Championship playoffs.
CCV profiled similar to Carl Starfelt from his time in the Championship, being strong in ground duels, winning 77% of his defensive duels but being weak in the air due to only being 6ft tall. His aerial duel success rate is only 52% which was below even Stephen Welsh from last season.
Also, like Starfelt he wasn’t adventurous at bringing the ball out and often chose safe passes. At Celtic however, we have seen some signs of a good long-range ground passing ability as he tries to break lines from deep which is a positive indication he could be a useful asset going forward.
Even aerially, CCV is performing far better than in the Championship with a 74% duel win rate, so these changes might indicate he is suited to Ange’s style of play.
He is also mobile and can cover a lot of ground quickly with Celtic in retreat or balls are played in behind. The only issue so far has been positioning errors as he adjusts to the new system and defensive partner - but with time these errors should become less frequent as his consistency increases.
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