What is the finest Celtic team you have ever seen? is a widely discussed issue in Celtic news
argued over, whether at home, at work, on fans’ buses, in pubs, or even on social media. My team took some time to put together because there are so many outstanding players, especially for those who were around during Jock Stein’s and the Lisbon Lions’ period. I was born in 1980, so I’ve seen a lot of good players wear the iconic red and white uniform.
1. Boruc,
The angelic goalkeeper was a powerful presence in the net and an excellent shot blocker. He has made mistakes, but don’t all top keepers? He was among the best in Europe between 2006 and 2008. the best.
Danny McGrain (C) is second.
Many consider him to be the greatest right back in Celtic Football Club history, as well as the greatest player Scotland has ever produced. Although I don’t recall seeing him play, I may include him because he played basketball until 1987.
Kieran Tierney is third.
What a player, despite only having played four full seasons. He was a typical Celtic man, capable of both attacking and defending.
4. Bobo Balde – The huge man was a rock and would scare any center forward.
5. Virgil Van Djik – He wasn’t with the team long, but he had the strength and was also exquisite on the ball, similar to Bobo. They would make an excellent team.
6. Paul Lambert – Lambo was a fantastic player who didn’t always get the respect he deserved, but he was a leader as well as a top-tier talent. A midfielder who can keep the midfield together.
Henrik Larsson – Who else but the King of Kings could it be? one of the greatest Celts of all time
8. Paul McStay – The maestro, one of the best to pull on the hoops. During the mid eighties he was world class. Undoubtedly one of the greatest Celts of all time.
9. Chris Sutton – The big man had something of a telepathic understanding with Henrik. He was good in the air and on the deck. Even in midfield or defence he was terrific.
10. John Collins – JC was one of the best I seen in the hoops. His technique was top notch and he would score valuable goals. Unlucky to have played at a dire time for the club.
11. Shunsuke Nakamura – The Japanese playmaker was unbelievable. Like JC he had the technical ability and would pop up with a vital goal now and again. His Free kicks too!
Subs – Forster, McNamara, Agathe, Elliot, Petrov, Moravcik, Di Canio, Hartson, Cadete. My manager of course would be Martin O’Neill.
I think that would be a formidable side both domestically and in Europe. It’s not just a bunch of talented players but leaders. There’s height, strength, technique, pace and goals all over the side. Larsson and Sutton being supplied from Collins and Nakamura? KT and Danny? Unbelievable.
Set pieces with Big Bobo VVD, Sutton and Henrik in the box? A defenders nightmare. The Industry and guile of lambert and McStay in the middle? Outrageous. Imagine the arguments to take a free kick!
It might not be everyone’s best side, but it is mine. Now tell us your selection of the best Celtic XI in your lifetime?
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Don’t miss out on The Celtic Star at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park this Thursday night (7pm-midnight) , it’s going to be extra special with some special guests on the night now confirmed. Tickets are selling fast so it looks like a packed house with brilliant Celtic conversation and music from Boolavogue plus the launch of Majic, Stan and the King of Japan…Remaining tickets available from Celtic Star Books website, just click on the image below…
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