New Bhoy Simunovic adds vital European experience

Celtic’s new Bhoy, Jozo Simunovic has big boots to fill after Virgil Van Dijk moved to Southampton earlier today. The 21-year-old, Croatian centre-back, may be the answer to Ronny Deila’s defensive issues, as he looks to strengthen the squad for this season’s assault in domestic and European competition.

In the last six games, Celtic have conceded 10 goals and unlike their impressive shutout record last season, the Hoops seem lacklustre at the back. Simunovic however, could be the key to tightening up the defence.

One of the biggest assets that he has got is experience in European matches. This is essential for a club like Celtic, who realistically, want to be competing in Europe after Christmas. The defender, who has played 18 times in European competition and helped Dinamo Zagreb to qualify for the Champions League this season should bring the added experience the club needs at the heart of the defence.

Simunovic also played a part in last season’s Europa League group stages and made an appearance against Celtic in their 4-3 win in Zagreb. Not only does the centre-back boast European experience at such a young age, but he has a more than 50 domestic appearances in two years at the club.

Celtic may have pulled off a real coup if Deila manages to maximise Simunovic to his full potential. In 75 appearances in all competitions for Dinamo, he has played a part in helping them keep 30 clean sheets. These types of statistics are even more important for the Celtic fans, knowing that we have signed genuine quality. Simunovic will be a great addition to the Celtic team and should ease the defensive frailty of the past few weeks.