Ronny Deila says Jozo Simunovic could be Celtic's new Virgil van Dijk
Thursday 10 September 2015 19:04, UK
Celtic manager Ronny Deila believes Jozo Simunovic is the ideal man to replace Virgil van Dijk.
Central defender Van Dijk moved to Southampton on the final day of the transfer window in a deal worth a reported £11.5m.
Deila was keen to retain the services of the Dutchman but moved quickly for Croatia Under-21 skipper Simunovic, who flew into Glasgow on Thursday following his £5.5m move from Dinamo Zagreb.
Deila also recruited Ryan Christie for £500,000 - although he was immediately loaned back to Inverness Caledonian Thistle - and Manchester United's England Under-21 defender Tyler Blackett on a season-long loan deal.
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Ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie - live on Sky Sports - Deila was asked if the youngster could go on to be as good as Van Dijk, a £2.6m recruit from Groningen in the summer of 2013.
"I think he has the potential," said the Norwegian. "I gave a lot of credit to Virgil last year and I did it because I really meant that he is a top player.
"We have scouted Jozo for a long time and we think he has the attributes that means we can make him a big player.
"But he is 21 and it will take some time to get to the highest level, of course. But we know that we have got a very talented boy. I am happy for Virgil to get the chance.
"He wanted to go last year as well but he stayed one more year and that was good for him and good for us because he has developed.
"Last year we were talking seven or eight million and now we are talking about a lot more money. We developed him, he developed himself and it was time to move on.
"Now we have new players in and we are looking forward to them and hopefully get a new Virgil van Dijk or even better," added Deila who replied 'we'll see' when asked if Simunovic would feature against the unbeaten Dons.
On his big-money move to the Scottish champions, Simunovic said: "I don't feel pressure. I believe in myself and money for me is not important. It is only important that I play well.
"It was my first day at training and we will see what the coach will decide (about Saturday). But I believe in myself and believe I can play in this team.
"I like Celtic's style, I like the way they play football and it is the reason I have joined the club."
