Gordon Strachan admitted he was a bit stunned that a bigger side didn’t sign latest Scotland hero Ikechi Anya during the summer transfer window. It wasn’t until he mentioned it, that I thought about it and realised that the Scottish manager was spot on.

The winger has a great amount of pace and that is a commodity that is needed in the top level. He also showed against Germany that he can be composed in his finish as he cooly slotted the ball beyond Manuel Neuer. For the Scots, Anya has provided a fantastic out ball on the wings, as his pace gets the ball played further into the opposition territory and it terrorises opposition defenders.

Both Scotland and Celtic have a rich tradition of playing exciting, speedy wingers that get their fans off seats. At Celtic, question marks remain over the fitness of James Forrest and Derk Boerrigter. Anya would give the Glasgow giants excitement on the wings and also graft as he works up and down the line helping out his defence as well as the attack.

The player would also add versatility to the Parkhead side as he can play on either wing or as a left fullback.

Another bonus is that Anya is a boy from Castlemilk which is under five miles away from Celtic Park. I always prefer Scottish sides to have a good core of Scots in their sides.

Anya also seems to be a great player to have in your squad. Strachan stated…

“His personality is really infectious. Every morning myself and the staff are the first ones up for breakfast. We make sure of it. Sometimes we are even there before breakfast opens up.

‘But every morning Ikechi is the first player through those doors. Always. Never fails.”

That dedication is admirable. The player flirted with non league football in 2008. He also spent a few years in England’s lower leagues. But instead of being content with that, Anya decided to pack his bags and travel to Spain and learn to become a better player. He plays with an enthusiasm and determination that shows he appreciates his job as a footballer but knows that he needs to constantly work hard to stay there.

His tweet after that goal against Germany, also showed he is down to earth and a a footballer with a fantastic amount of passion…

Lastly I SCORED PAST MANUEL NEUER !!!! WOWWWW I CAN’T EVEN DO THAT ON FIFA

His stats for Watford were impressive last term. In thirty-five appearances in the Championship, Ikechi managed to grab five goals and create eight assists.

So when you consider his ability, his work ethic and his attitude its hard to disagree with Strachan. Anya probably deserves to be playing at a higher level and capable of holding his own. He’d be an excellent purchase for various teams.

Celtic possibly made a mistake, sticking to the loan markets rather that pursue a deal with Watford for Anya in the summer. It could come back to haunt them in December, if English Premier League sides decide to go after the twenty-six year old. If Oscar Garcia can getting Anya consistently playing at his best for the remainder of this year then its hard to see him not playing at a higher level sometime in 2015!

Posted on September 9th, 2014 by scott
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