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Celtic Fan View: Does Craig Gordon fit into Brendan Rodgers' long-term plans?
Earlier this season Celtic legend Chris Sutton and goalkeeper Craig Gordon engaged in a war of words over the latter’s form and status at the club. In typical fashion Sutton didn’t hold back, saying: “He was superb in those first couple of seasons. There is no doubt he is a top-class keeper but if you are then you can’t afford your standards to drop. There are times he looks like Bambi on ice and is making too many errors. Those are facts.”
He also added: “There have been too many mistakes and if Craig is happy with that I’d suggest the real problem is he is setting his standards too low. If Craig is unhappy with what I have been saying then there is an easy solution. Cut out the mistakes.” Gordon responded by claiming there was a “campaign” against him and that Sutton “only focuses on the negatives.”
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Behind the usual seemingly aggressive tone and direct style of language, the Englishman’s argument does carry substance. There’s no doubt that Gordon is a fine goalkeeper but he’s one that always has a clanger following him around. There’s also still a question mark surrounding the level of his performances in Europe. Perhaps, then, it’s fair to ask the question, is Gordon the best goalkeeper for the Hoops in the long term under Brendan Rodgers?
It’s a subject that splits opinion among the Celtic faithful. Many argue that Gordon’s record speaks for itself while others find the Scotland international to be too big a risk guarding the Bhoys’ goal. And plenty don’t think he’s the right fit for the style of play Rodgers has implemented at the club.
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It’s well-known the Northern Irishman wants his teams to be on the front foot and in possession which requires a goalie whose distribution can help build attacks from the back. While Gordon’s distribution has improved in the past year there’s still one too many jittery moments with the ball at his feet. You only have to look at the 1-1 draw with St.Johnstone this term when his horrendous slice handed the Saints an easy goal and point at Parkhead. And if truth be told, he’s unlikely to improve further with his distribution.
The veteran has also had trouble rushing off his line in the last 12 months which have put him and the team in uncomfortable situations with the most high profile example coming in the loss to Bayern Munich a fortnight ago. The rush of blood to come charging out of his area has become a familiar sight for Hoops fans and it cost their side a goal to Kingsley Coman against the Bavarians.
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To the former Hearts man’s credit he does produce some magnificent stops, some of which have saved the team on a few occasions. But that inconsistency and fragility that leads to errors as well as his troubles with the ball at his feet have become too glaring to overlook now.
Gordon’s resurgence as a number one keeper after a career threatening injury deserves the utmost respect. Looking forward, however, it’s hard to see how he fits into Rodgers’ long term plan. Next summer might be the right time for both parties to start afresh.
