The World Cup starts in a few weeks and Celtic fans are of course eager to see how their players are going to perform.
Our friends over at Profit Accumulator have kindly given us a review of all the Celtic players at the World Cup. Profit Accumulator is a matched betting service.
Here is a breakdown of all the Celtic players that have been included in their respective countries final squads for the World Cup in Russia.
Dedryck Boyata
Dedryck Boyata has made the cut for Belgium’s World Cup squad. The 27 year old was a maybe as Belgium do have a lot of talented defenders, but as of the last few days he has been included in the final 23.
The defender, who joined from Manchester City, has performed well this year and helped the Hoops land the double treble. It was perhaps this winning mentality that has secured his place.
He may also actually get a game, as Belgium have injury worries in defence surrounding centre-backs Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen. Both have suffered recurring injuries in the last few years.
Tom Rogic
Tom Rogic will play a key role for Australia. He often plays as the Socceroo’s main playmaker, with a lot of the offensive play coming through him.
He actually missed out on the last World Cup squad due to an injury in the run up to the tournament, which means he has something to prove this time.
The talismanic playmaker was a key player as Celtic won their seventh successive title this season.
Rogic had been rumoured to be leaving Celtic Park in the summer, but recently signed a new five-year deal a few weeks ago, which will keep with the Scottish champions until at least 2023.
Mikael Lustig
The veteran right back has had a decent season this season and deserves his place in the Swedish team. He predominantly fills the right back berth for his country.
Lustig, who turned 31 this year, has already amassed 64 caps and will look forward to playing with his International teammates against Germany, South Korea and Mexico.
A firm fan favorite who has been an ever present for the past two trophy laden years, Lustig is even more impressive when you consider that he arrived for little to no transfer fee.
Brendan Rodgers has spoken fondly of the fact he is no trouble for the manager, who apparently shakes his hand in pre-season and then again at the end of the season, without so much as a second thought during the season. Some of the more high matinence players should take note.
This might well be his last World Cup for Sweden, as he’ll be 35 by the time the next one comes around.
Celtic fans will always have a special place for Swedish players. One of the most decorated and well respected players to ever play for them, Henrik Larsson, was Swedish.
Cristian Gamboa
Wing-back Cristian Gamboa has been included in Costa Rica’s final squad in Russia. Costa Rica arent famed for the squad depth, so despite the fact Gamboa hasn’t played much this year, it still wasn’t a surprise to see him included.
He arrived from West Bromwich Albion for a fee close to £1m, and fans had high expectations. However, he’s struggled to make an impact on the team and only made 24 appearances in all competitions.
Many fans are speculating that Ridgers actually hopes he has a good tournament so he can sell him after the World Cup. It’s fair to say that many fans wouldn’t be too upset to see him leave, granted the Hoops can recoup what they originally paid for him.
What do you think of the players mentioned above? Will they have a good tournament?
Whatever happens it’s sure to be a good spectacle, with some of the biggest players in the world competing for International football’s top prize.