Dedryck Boyata has always had a mixed reception from Celtic fans, some believe he’s a good defender and others think he isn’t Celtic standard.

Dedryk reminds me a lot of Efe Ambrose; when he keeps it simple, he can be a very efficient player. It’s when he adds in all the unnecessary parts of his game the problems start.

The Belgian is a terrific defender in my opinion. He’s strong, quick and reads the game very well. However, it’s very easy to notice on the ball he’s not at the level we need, his passing is quite simply terrible. When Brendan Rodgers wants his teams to build from the back, this can become a problem.

You can always see the defender playing a meaningless ball roll even when there’s no one near him. Coming out of position and relinquishing possession piles the pressure on himself and gets the fans already not so keen on him straight on his back.

As an out and out defender, I can’t fault him. However, At 27-years of age, the Celtic star can no longer cling to a ‘young and developing’ status. Silly mistakes, in the last few months especially, has meant he’s lost some of the popularity he gained this time last year when he came out of the Celtic wilderness to play a prominent role in Celtic’s invincible season.

Another reason I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with the big Belgian is his reluctance to sign a new deal. Rodgers spoke of his desire to tie the Belgian down to a new deal months ago and it seems those discussions have stalled. It’s clear Boyata is the number one choice, a decision I can’t quite get my head around. The Belgian IS undoubtedly not the best central defender at the club – that accolade easily goes to Jozo Simunovic, a player who has committed his future to the club but is now out in the cold due to a horror show against Hearts.

How many horror shows has Boyata had? But he rarely loses his place. If you are playing well then, by all means, you should play but why should Jozo get dropped after poor form and Boyata keeps his position?

If he keeps it simple, he can be a great asset to Celtic but the fact he still hasn’t signed a new deal leaves me wondering if he will have a future at this club. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was allowed to leave in the summer if he still hasn’t committed his future to the club.

Matthew Magee

4 COMMENTS

  1. Get him oot the Door,He has had his chances in the first team and its costing us,Big Time.It must be disheartening for the other Bhoys who play and give there All,To see him make these costly mistakes..

  2. Another Efe,Just a Bombscare waiting to explode.Its no good having a great midfield and attacking options,When we have defensive problems that just keep on Given….Its ok dominating our Premier.But we need to Set our Stall in Europe.How many more chances is Boyata going to get?If we havent got any other defenders by the time the Zenit game comes around.Then i suppose there is Always Next Year…..HH n Awrat

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