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Transfer profile: Celtic left back Kieran Tierney

By David Gate

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 23: Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrates victory during the Betfred Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on October 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 23: Kieran Tierney of Celtic celebrates victory during the Betfred Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on October 23, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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Celtic left back Kieran Tierney has risen to become a leading transfer target for the Liverpool defense. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Celtic left back Kieran Tierney has risen to become a leading transfer target for the Liverpool defense. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Liverpool’s search for a new left back has led them to Celtic starlet Kieran Tierney. Here is a profile with all you need to know about the young Scotsman.

It seems like every summer we need a new left back. This year is no different with Alberto Moreno set to leave and incumbent James Milner a make shift converted midfielder.  While Milner has performed admirably he is not the long-term solution to the role. There have been recent rumors of a challenging Manchester City for Monaco’s Bernard Mendy and picking up ex-City player Gael Clichy on a free. Now reports are saying Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney is the top target for Jurgen Klopp. He may not be too well known to you so we have put together a profile of the young defender.

Physical Attributes

The 20-year-old is an athletic full back who has bags of pace. When he has the ball he is not afraid to knock the ball past his opponent and rely on his superior speed to get past his marker. He is athletic and strong in the tackle. Despite playing in the physical Scottish Premier League he never looks out-of-place. Even as a teenager he was matching his opponents strength on the ball. My one concern would be his aerial ability. All though it’s not key for a full back, Liverpool are lacking in that area.

Technical Attributes

He is a tidy passer with good control and first touch. His highlight reels show a honed left foot. You can see his crossing and short-range link up play are to a high level. A keen dribbler he likes to take opponents on. He is willing to take defenders inside and beat them on the outside too. If there is one immediate criticism is that he seems a little one footed, highly favoring his left. Certainly he doesn’t look as comfortable on the right.

Mental Attitude

This is why Jurgen Klopp loves him. He is a constant worker and seems to enjoy his defensively responsibilities as much as his offensive ones. He has the pace and energy to be a two-way player and he is willing to put in a shift. His game awareness is very good too. He sees the runs of his teammates and gives them the ball. When there are gaps at the back he is alert and fills in.