The Lotw Diary- Thursday. The Entertainers.
So the Hoops fans have spoken and oor choices for player of the year and young player of the year say a lot for the mindset of us. It’s says a lot of what we look for in players when the pull on that famous jersey. We don’t look for them to hide or not be brave, we look for them to be creative to be entertaining and we want a manager, which allows these players to flourish.
For all that has happened recently, one thing canny be denied. GS has allowed flair players to play a big part in his Celtic’s teams. In fact such a big part that when these boys have shot their bolt the others have been found wanting in the creative department. It’s no surprise to me that oor team has stopped creating and scoring while Naka and Aiden have been struggling.
We have relied on individual brilliance this season to dig us oot of holes. Mistakes, both on and off the park have been glossed over by a wee shimmy, a killer ball, the baws to take on that man or that we have a man who can hit a free kick for fun. That’s why Naka and Aiden have been awarded.
Aiden has flourished as a player this season but is still blighted by the inconstancy of a 20 year old, the look of Frank McAvennie’s love child and the dress sense and hairstyle of a ned wie too much money. The fact that he accepted a diamond bracelet for his prize as young player of the year award makes me even more worried. What’s next? Him shacking up wie some actress from River City to become Clydesides own posh and becks? Oh, the modern day fitbawer.
As Tommy Burns said Aiden could be whatever he wants to be in the game. He is a natural talent, the most natural we have produced but while his hard work this year has smoothed over his rough edges his tendency to let the big games this season by pass him- Milan, Old Trafford, Ibrox- is something he has too work on. Until he becomes gallus, consistently, on the big stage then work still has to be done.
Unlike Naka. Apart from Ibrox he has handled the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game better this season than last. He has also been more creative in all games, until recently, even though the manager insists of not playing him in a free role, a role in which I think we would see more from him. In the CL he took to the stage like a duck to water. Right, he struggled against Milan, nothing to be ashamed off, but his goal against Man Utd will live long in the memory.
He has been braver this year. Even when he fades in and oot of games he never hides. Something him and Aiden have in common. A few weeks back Aiden was having a mare against the saints of Perth but never once did he not demand the ball or seek to get rid of it quickly when it came to him. Naka is the same. This epitomises the Celtic baw player spirit. A spirit and talent, which while unable to shine in every game it, will never hide.
It’s been a spirit in the Celtic entertainers since 1888. It’s a spirit the fans love and almost demand. We demand to be entertained. We want entertainers. Wonder if GS will take note of the fans choices when drawing up his transfer list.
Forza The Celtic Way.
For all that has happened recently, one thing canny be denied. GS has allowed flair players to play a big part in his Celtic’s teams. In fact such a big part that when these boys have shot their bolt the others have been found wanting in the creative department. It’s no surprise to me that oor team has stopped creating and scoring while Naka and Aiden have been struggling.
We have relied on individual brilliance this season to dig us oot of holes. Mistakes, both on and off the park have been glossed over by a wee shimmy, a killer ball, the baws to take on that man or that we have a man who can hit a free kick for fun. That’s why Naka and Aiden have been awarded.
Aiden has flourished as a player this season but is still blighted by the inconstancy of a 20 year old, the look of Frank McAvennie’s love child and the dress sense and hairstyle of a ned wie too much money. The fact that he accepted a diamond bracelet for his prize as young player of the year award makes me even more worried. What’s next? Him shacking up wie some actress from River City to become Clydesides own posh and becks? Oh, the modern day fitbawer.
As Tommy Burns said Aiden could be whatever he wants to be in the game. He is a natural talent, the most natural we have produced but while his hard work this year has smoothed over his rough edges his tendency to let the big games this season by pass him- Milan, Old Trafford, Ibrox- is something he has too work on. Until he becomes gallus, consistently, on the big stage then work still has to be done.
Unlike Naka. Apart from Ibrox he has handled the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game better this season than last. He has also been more creative in all games, until recently, even though the manager insists of not playing him in a free role, a role in which I think we would see more from him. In the CL he took to the stage like a duck to water. Right, he struggled against Milan, nothing to be ashamed off, but his goal against Man Utd will live long in the memory.
He has been braver this year. Even when he fades in and oot of games he never hides. Something him and Aiden have in common. A few weeks back Aiden was having a mare against the saints of Perth but never once did he not demand the ball or seek to get rid of it quickly when it came to him. Naka is the same. This epitomises the Celtic baw player spirit. A spirit and talent, which while unable to shine in every game it, will never hide.
It’s been a spirit in the Celtic entertainers since 1888. It’s a spirit the fans love and almost demand. We demand to be entertained. We want entertainers. Wonder if GS will take note of the fans choices when drawing up his transfer list.
Forza The Celtic Way.
posted by Keving at Thursday, May 10, 2007
11 Comments:
You say we want entertainers and that is true for most but the sad cases who jump down on Aiden if he loses the ball. `One trick pony!` shouts my mate Steve. Would Jimmy Johnstone have survived in this environment, he lost the ball occasionally too. :-)
I actually think Aiden is better in field, full backs seem to be able to push him rather than tackle for the ball (thanks refs)and he has better options in the middle.
Naka is as slow as the proverbial week in gaol but he has moves to compensate, is at his best when he gets the ball in tight situations and occasionally flights the ball quite well. :-)
It`s a brave team that plays with such players! Bravi Celts!
Ian i think both would be better in roaming roles in field. Both are not wingers in the true sense of the old fashioned winger.
I'm sure Jinky never had games when it passed him by or had a bad game.
Some need to remember that the DVD's only show the guid bits.
Yes, it's good to have entertainers like Aiden & Naka.
However, I don't think we've got the mix right yet.
Sometimes, when they are both in the team I feel that we are a bit lightweight.
Naka is physical stronger since last season and the same thing for Aiden as he gets older.
However, for me neither have that strong personality that would enable them to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Not yet anyway, if Naka is still with us next season, he might gain that extra bit of self confidence he seems to be lacking at the minute. Aiden (21) will acquire it naturally as he matures.
Maybe last Saturday was an extreme example, but when they were both off the boil we lack creativity. And to be honest, I don't remember a game when they were both "buzzing".
They won't get any protection from SPL refs, but maybe these guys don't get enough support from their team mates either. No instant retribution from an Auld, Hay or Aitken if you touch one of our playmakers.
The hammerthrower rebuild going on the dark side means that next season, more than ever, we have to be up for the physical challenge.
If we want to see the best from likes of Naka, Aiden, and Deek surely we must complement their talent with a bit of steel. Apart from Mick, I don't see who we've got in that department.
PS
Talking about Jinky, I saw him a few times when he was rank - but memory like DVDs tend to be selective and rightly so :o)
It maybe that Naka, the only ever present, will get a stint on the bench for the next two games. I`m sure GS is working out what to do in this next game right now!
Six- the mix is wrong. But when in world fitbaw do you see the trial and retribution being used nowadays. Man Utd’s midfield contains two guys that canny tackle while Chelsea while being imposing on the eye are hardly in the thug catergory.
For us to play wie two creative midfielders yer centre two need what a term, power, pace and vision. If oor creative talents know that they have a shield behind them then it’s easier to be brave on the baw. If they know that if they lose the ball then there neighbour will come in and close doon the ball winner and hustle the ball back then they will I think become physically stronger mentally.
You can kick us but when we get the baw back I will run at you again. For me that is better than being a bullying hammer thrower. Stand up to the bullies.
I thought Hartley may do that job for us a bit of grizzle and pace but so far he has been 2 oot of 10.
Agree Mick likes a tackle as does Naylor
Ian I don’t expect to see naka until Hampden in the sun but somehow us expecting wholesale freshening up will be overall disappointed.
Justa thought - have we tried Hartley and Gravesen together yet?
Potential ball winners with pace there.
If only TommyGlee could screw the nut for 2*45.
Ain't ganna happen this weekend though as the official web suite are trying to flog tickets 'cos it's "Neil Lennon’s last game in the Hoops at Celtic Park."
Talk about trying to keep the opposition guessing about your lineup?
The boss has had a hip operation and may not be at the game.
?
Not wanting to sound HIPocritical, but a chance for TB to step into the fray and have us playing his brand of fitba?
After all the league is won and he couldn't lose it (erm, could he?).
what aboot Bjarnason, Hartley and Grav wie Aiden in the hole with Deek and JVOH upfront?
Mr G, I suspect you're on the happy pills :o)
Best wishes to Gordon Strachan for a speedy recovery.
Don`t start wi` the entertaining fitba when I have to miss the game! (I hope that`s what you get!)
Remember the team would be more entertaining if it wasn`t for the opposition closing down and hammer throwing. That`s why other teams look quite good against Celtic, we don`t do that! :-)
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