For Celtic supporters still wondering why Gvidas Gineitis remained on the club’s radar for so much of the summer, the data offer a clear answer.
Martin O’Neill is believed to have wanted Gineitis at Celtic and is understood to be unhappy that the move did not happen.
According to SkillCorner, across all 77 midfielders in Serie A, Gineitis ranked first for distance covered per 90 minutes, running distance per 90, match intensity and change of direction. He also ranked second for high-speed running distance and fourth for high-intensity distance.
Those are not small details when assessing what Celtic were trying to add in midfield. O’Neill’s side needed energy, mobility and players capable of covering large areas of the pitch. Gineitis’ data shows a player built for that kind of role.
Replacing Arne Engels with a more athletic midfielder who could also offer creativity made a lot of sense. Gineitis was not simply a runner. His profile pointed to a player who could bring physical output while still helping Celtic progress attacks and create from open play.
That speaks to a midfielder who does not drift through games. He gets around the pitch, changes direction often and can handle repeated running without dropping out of the battle.
There is more to his profile than work-rate, too. Soccerment lists Gineitis as a roaming playmaker, with the Torino midfielder in the top 20 per cent of Serie A central midfielders for open-play expected assists. He also delivers 4.25 passes into the penalty area and 3.25 crosses per 90 minutes.
That combination is what made the player interesting. Celtic were looking at someone who could press, recover, carry energy through midfield and still contribute in the final third.
The deal is now gone, but the data shows why Celtic spent time on Gineitis in the first place, and why there was frustration when the move failed to materialise.
Keep Reading
