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Nir Bitton

Discussion in 'Ex Players' started by ILoveTheCeltic, Aug 28, 2013.

Discuss Nir Bitton in the Ex Players area at TalkCeltic.net.

  1. McChiellini..

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    Looking down on the mutants..
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    Izzy rejected us which was brutal and Lustig is mulling over a 2 year deal which is even worse..
     
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  2. G_portillo

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    We didnt miss Bitton wen he wasnt in the side.
    Good on the ball when he time to pick his passes, but hopeless in the air and not strong enough in the tackle.

    If we want to progress we have to be looking to sign better players than Bitton. The fact that we are attempting to resign Bitton, Izzaguirre and Lustig is worrying.
     
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  3. G_portillo

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    Id imagine Lustig could play another two years as a starter in Sweden, where as he wouldn't be guaranteed that here
     
  4. ILoveTheCeltic

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    I think Bitton was coming on to a decent game at centre-back before he got injured. To me he is similar to Ajer only better in the air and a better passer of the ball, Ajer i'd say is more naturally defensive and gets stuck in more but Bitton was not bad, I think he's a good option as a 4th choice centre-back and centre-mid.
     
  5. G_portillo

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    Bitton is nowhere near as good as Ajer in the air. Ajer is a far better centre back than Bitton. Ridiculous man.
     
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  6. ILoveTheCeltic

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    I think Bitton is our best in the air now, him and Ajer are decent at our own box but in the oppositions box Ajer for me is a shitebag hes bigger than anycunt we play but he never attacks a ball or tries to score - Bitton who seems a bigger shitebag actually tries to win headers in the oppositions box.
     
  7. Raoul Duke

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    Would disagree with that part, don't know how many times we've seen Ajer miss complete sitters. Not just including headers, he does try he's just * awful with putting the ball in the back of the net
     
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  8. G_portillo

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    100% disagree with all of that. Would say Bitton is easily worse and should never be getting used as a CB.
    In no way should a team our size be going into a season or a champions league campaign without fit defenders. Its fine when we play lesser teams in thr league and we can get away with it. But its against the stronger teams when we will get punished.
     
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  9. RiquelmeCSC

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    Anyone see Bitton’s Instagram video there, is that Virgil in the video with him?
     
  10. JC Anton Get yer, hats, scarfs badges & tapes

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    He’s our CL Qualification specialist.. :52:
     
  11. Blochairnbhoy

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    Probably will be there are besties
     
  12. JC Anton Get yer, hats, scarfs badges & tapes

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    Thought he was the standout player in the last game.
     
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  13. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    NIR Bitton is an enigma to most Celtic supporters. To the manager, however, he is an essential.

    It’s been a few years since the midfielder could call himself a regular starter – two seasons and a bit if truth be told – which was down to form, how those in front of him were playing and, of course, for a year a knee injury which left the Israeli in tears when at a Harley Street doctor because he feared his career was over.

    And even when Bitton played all the time, under Lennon, Ronnie Deila and Rodgers for a time, not everyone understood what this languid footballer gave to the team.

    Depending on whether you were a fan or not, Bitton either kept possession and rotated play or he slowed down the game. He took his time and never rushed, or he took too many touches. He was never one for diving into tackles but, come on, this is Scotland and a certain toughness is demanded from those in the middle of the action.

    The truth is, Bitton is a wonderful footballer. On his day. His first touch is there for all to see, he rarely gives away possession, has a shot on him and more than a bit of dig. Now 27 years old and free from injury, and desperate to make up for lost time, this Israeli international will play a big part in Lennon’s Celtic.


    He’s not a natural centre-half but was one of Celtic’s best players in Sarajevo on Tuesday night when he filled in there, and not for the first time at the club.

    Brendan Rodgers didn’t quite know what to make of Bitton but Lennon does, and the man himself believes that this is going to be a huge season for him at Celtic.

    Bitton admits: “I really appreciate that the gaffer really rates me. He was the one who brought me into Celtic and he believed in me when he did that.

    Depending on whether you were a fan or not, Bitton either kept possession and rotated play or he slowed down the game. He took his time and never rushed, or he took too many touches. He was never one for diving into tackles but, come on, this is Scotland and a certain toughness is demanded from those in the middle of the action.

    The truth is, Bitton is a wonderful footballer. On his day. His first touch is there for all to see, he rarely gives away possession, has a shot on him and more than a bit of dig. Now 27 years old and free from injury, and desperate to make up for lost time, this Israeli international will play a big part in Lennon’s Celtic.


    He’s not a natural centre-half but was one of Celtic’s best players in Sarajevo on Tuesday night when he filled in there, and not for the first time at the club.

    Brendan Rodgers didn’t quite know what to make of Bitton but Lennon does, and the man himself believes that this is going to be a huge season for him at Celtic.

    Bitton admits: “I really appreciate that the gaffer really rates me. He was the one who brought me into Celtic and he believed in me when he did that.

    before that when you play for a club which is the size of this, you always have competition and you always expect to have competition for places and have to earn the chances to play.

    “You always have other players who will push you to the edge of to the limit, new players coming to the club, players showing good form and that is the best thing about playing here.

    “You know that if you take your foot off the gas for just one short time, you can lose your space in the team and when you get the opportunities to play, you must take them and perform.

    “I will always try to compete within that and do my best for every single minute that I am given on the pitch. Hopefully, I will get a chance to play more this season.”

    Bitton’s position is deep-lying central midfielder. There he can dictate play, spray passes, win back possession and allow those in front of him to do what they do.

    But he’s had to step back in Europe more than once and two years ago, while coming in for criticism, Rodgers made the point that had it not been for Bitton’s adaptability then Celtic, who were short of defenders, would not have made the Champions League group stage.

    Bitton admitted: “Maybe I need to play centre-back more often, and we could go to Champions League every year! Seriously, as long as I play, I try to do my best.


    I played at centre-back for my national team against Poland and I felt good. It’s all about how you prepare yourself and how you grow into the games. It’s good to be back and it’s good to be on the pitch.

    “I’ve said it before that it doesn’t matter to me which position that I play, so long as I can play, especially in these type of European games as they are so good to be part of. I just hope that it is going to continue and I will always try to do my best.”

    Celtic have made a good start to Europe, they played well the other night but Bitton knows it was just a start to what could be an epic season.

    The Israeli said: “I think every season that I have been at Celtic has been very challenging for us. It’s such a big club to play for and that means there is always pressure and expectations placed onto you at all times.

    “The Champions League is a big target for us this season. If we can get that, it will be a big boost for all of us. We just need to make sure we go to the games all the way through the qualifiers and we concentrate.

    "We conceded a goal against Sarajevo and it was a little bit sloppy. We need to cut that out if we want to play in the group stages of the Champions League. But, as I said, it is a big target for us. We want it this season, so we know what needs to be done.”

    “Obviously, it was good to win. None of those games are easy and usually it’s difficult to play them. You go to a stadium with 25,000 people in there, the pitch is not the best, it’s early in the season and the only thing matters is the result. With this to consider, we are happy.”
     
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  14. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    NEIL LENNON has challenged Nir Bitton to nail down a regular place in his Celtic team.

    The midfielder was used as a central defender in the Hoops’ 3-1 victory over FK Sarajevo.

    Bitton is fully fit after missing the bulk of last season and Celtic gaffer Lennon has urged him to seize his chance.

    He said: “I’m looking for a big season from Nir, no matter what position he plays.

    He’s had a very good pre-season after a bad injury. It was a concerted period out for him, ten months to a year.

    “He played a few games for me last season, but he still had a little problem with his knee.

    Nir went away with Israel at the end of the season and has come back looking really good.

    “We have now thrown down the challenge to him to step up and make an impact on the team. He has the game to do it.

    Nir is 27 and he’s a good athlete. There is more to come from him.

    “But I have been very pleased with him so far. Nir can play at the back, but it’s not ideal.

    Christopher Jullien isn’t up to speed yet and we are still looking to strengthen there, too.

    “Ideally, I’d like Bitton to play in midfield, but he showed his qualities in defence too.”
     
  15. The Prof Administrator Administrator

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    Say Hello To My Little Friend ....
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    Since he has come back i think he has done well so far.
     
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  16. Blochairnbhoy

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    Surprised by the comments.....

    NOT!
     
  17. Seán Mac D Gold Member Gold Member

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    He's been a reasonably good servant for the club and filled in when needed in other positions with minimum fuss but it's worrying if Lennon thinks he has a big part to play this season.

    No speed to his game bordering on lackadaisical at times and is far too passive when defending. We need a proper, strong, aggressive DM in there that moves the ball onto our more offensive players quickly. Watching Bitton and Brown play crab football in the middle under Deila has scarred me. We need someone fresh.
     
  18. Officer Doofy Come to me, human man Gold Member

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    He's like a new signing.
     
  19. ILoveTheCeltic

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    I prefer him at CB to Jozo
     
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  20. CheGuevara

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    Not for me. Given a run I think Jozo is a very decent player
     
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