A Tactical Analysis of How He’d Enhance Their Attacking Options
Celtic’s Interest in Andi Zeqiri: A Tactical Deep Dive
Celtic’s reported renewed interest in Swiss international Andi Zeqiri presents an intriguing proposition for Brendan Rodgers as he looks to refine his squad. Zeqiri, currently playing for FC Basel, has been a long-term target for the Hoops, and the possibility of acquiring him on a cut-price deal adds to the allure. This analysis delves into Zeqiri’s playing style, strengths, weaknesses, and how he could potentially fit into Celtic’s tactical setup.
Zeqiri: A Versatile Attacking Threat
Andi Zeqiri is a dynamic forward capable of playing in multiple positions across the front line. Predominantly a centre-forward, he is also comfortable operating as a winger, particularly on the left, or even as a supporting striker. This versatility is a key asset, offering Rodgers tactical flexibility and the ability to adapt his team’s approach depending on the opponent and game situation. His profile on Transfermarkt https://www.transfermarkt.com/andi-zeqiri/profil/spieler/343211 highlights his varied appearances across attacking roles throughout his career.
His ability to play as a winger is particularly relevant given Celtic’s reliance on wide players to create chances. While they possess quality wingers, adding Zeqiri would provide competition and allow for rotation, crucial during a demanding season with European commitments.
Analyzing Zeqiri’s Strengths
* **Goalscoring Instincts:** Zeqiri possesses a natural goalscoring ability, demonstrated throughout his career in Switzerland, France, and England. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and displays composure in front of goal. While not a prolific scorer in the mould of a traditional number nine, his consistent goal contributions make him a valuable asset.
* **Physicality and Strength:** Standing at approximately 6’1″, Zeqiri has a strong physical presence. He uses his body well to hold up the ball, shield it from defenders, and win aerial duels. This strength allows him to bring others into play and create opportunities for his teammates.
* **Dribbling and Technique:** Zeqiri is a skillful dribbler, capable of beating defenders with quick feet and changes of direction. He is comfortable running with the ball at pace and possesses good close control. This ability allows him to create space for himself and others in tight areas.
* **Pressing and Work Rate:** In modern football, pressing from the front is crucial, and Zeqiri excels in this area. He is known for his high work rate and willingness to press opponents relentlessly, disrupting their build-up play and winning back possession. This aligns perfectly with Rodgers’ tactical philosophy, which emphasizes proactive defending and winning the ball high up the pitch.
* **Link-Up Play:** Zeqiri is a team player who is adept at linking up with his teammates. He has good vision and passing ability, allowing him to create chances for others. He is also capable of playing quick one-twos and making intelligent runs off the ball.
Identifying Potential Weaknesses
* **Inconsistency:** While Zeqiri possesses many strengths, inconsistency has been a recurring theme throughout his career. He can sometimes go through periods where he struggles to find the back of the net or impact the game effectively.
* **Decision-Making:** At times, Zeqiri’s decision-making in the final third can be questionable. He can be prone to taking low-percentage shots or making the wrong pass, particularly under pressure.
* **Discipline:** Zeqiri has, on occasion, been known to pick up unnecessary yellow cards due to rash challenges or dissent. This is an area he needs to improve to avoid suspensions and maintain his availability.
How Zeqiri Could Fit into Celtic’s Tactical Setup
Brendan Rodgers typically employs a possession-based, attacking style of play at Celtic, often utilizing a 4-3-3 or a variation of it. Zeqiri’s versatility would allow him to slot into various roles within this system.
* **As a Centre-Forward:** Zeqiri could provide competition for the current strikers, offering a different profile with his physicality and pressing ability. He could be deployed as a lone striker or as part of a front two, depending on the tactical approach.
* **As a Winger:** Zeqiri’s ability to play on either flank would give Rodgers options out wide. He could be used as an inverted winger, cutting inside onto his stronger foot, or as a traditional winger, providing width and crossing ability.
* **As a Supporting Striker:** In a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2 formation, Zeqiri could thrive as a supporting striker, playing off a more traditional centre-forward. His link-up play and movement off the ball would create space for his strike partner and cause problems for opposition defenders.
Zeqiri’s Potential Impact on Celtic’s Attacking Play
Zeqiri’s arrival would undoubtedly add a new dimension to Celtic’s attack. His physicality, pressing ability, and goalscoring instincts would provide a valuable alternative to their existing options.
* **Increased Goal Threat:** Zeqiri’s ability to find the back of the net would help alleviate the pressure on Celtic’s other attacking players and provide a more consistent goal threat.
* **Improved Pressing Game:** Zeqiri’s relentless pressing would complement Celtic’s existing high-pressing style and make them even more difficult to play against.
* **Greater Tactical Flexibility:** Zeqiri’s versatility would allow Rodgers to adapt his team’s approach depending on the opponent and game situation, giving Celtic a tactical edge.
* **Increased Competition for Places:** Zeqiri’s arrival would create healthy competition for places in the Celtic attack, pushing all players to perform at their best.
The Cut-Price Deal Factor
The potential availability of Zeqiri on a cut-price deal makes this transfer even more appealing for Celtic. In today’s inflated transfer market, finding quality players at a reasonable price is becoming increasingly difficult. Securing Zeqiri for a reduced fee would represent excellent value for money and allow Celtic to invest in other areas of the squad.
Conclusion: A Worthwhile Pursuit for Celtic?
Andi Zeqiri represents a potentially shrewd acquisition for Celtic. His versatility, goalscoring ability, and pressing prowess would undoubtedly bolster their attacking options and provide Rodgers with greater tactical flexibility. While he has areas for improvement, his strengths outweigh his weaknesses, and the possibility of signing him on a cut-price deal makes this a worthwhile pursuit for the Scottish champions. He could become a valuable asset in Celtic’s quest for continued domestic dominance and European success. His statistics on WhoScored https://www.whoscored.com/Players/312639/Show/Andi-Zeqiri offer further insights into his performance metrics.
FAQ Section
What positions can Andi Zeqiri play?
Andi Zeqiri is a versatile attacker primarily playing as a centre-forward but also comfortable on either wing or as a supporting striker. This versatility is one of his key assets.
What are Zeqiri’s main strengths as a player?
His strengths include goalscoring ability, physical strength, dribbling skills, a high work rate in pressing, and good link-up play with teammates.
Does Zeqiri have any weaknesses in his game?
Potential weaknesses include inconsistency in performance, occasional questionable decision-making in the final third, and a tendency to pick up unnecessary yellow cards.
How would Zeqiri fit into Celtic’s tactical system under Brendan Rodgers?
He could fit in as a centre-forward, winger, or supporting striker, depending on the formation. His pressing ability aligns well with Rodgers’ high-pressing style.
What impact could Zeqiri have on Celtic’s attack?
He could increase their goal threat, improve their pressing game, provide greater tactical flexibility, and increase competition for places in the attack.
Why is Celtic interested in signing Zeqiri on a cut-price deal?
A cut-price deal would represent excellent value for money, allowing Celtic to invest in other areas of the squad while acquiring a quality player.
Has Zeqiri played in any major leagues?
Yes, Zeqiri has experience playing in Switzerland, France (Ligue 1), and England (Championship), providing him with exposure to different footballing styles.
Is Zeqiri a regular international player for Switzerland?
Yes, Zeqiri has represented Switzerland at the international level, further showcasing his quality and experience.
What is Zeqiri’s preferred foot?
Zeqiri is predominantly right-footed, although he is capable of using his left foot effectively as well.
How tall is Andi Zeqiri?
Andi Zeqiri is approximately 6’1″ (185 cm) tall, giving him a good physical presence on the pitch.
