Ciftci to Celtic

Did he really look as good as Robertson or gauld?

Good question.

No. But he did look better than Goodwillie who we sold for that kind of figure (because Blackburn were mental). Certainly he's doing very well at Derby and if they were to move him on now he'd go for probably more than £2m.

Has ciftci looked better than him?
Not seen a lot of him but the figures being touted are around the kind of money and he's certainly has more similarities to Russell

I would say Ciftci is better than Russell, although they are different players.

Russell is all about explosive pace and getting his shots away. Ciftci likes to be more involved in the build up and is a far more creative player. Ciftci is far trickier and is a more powerful player.


Case in point - Ciftci has just set up the GMS opener at Thistle.

Wouldn't say he's better than Russell. Russell managed consistency, something which Çiftçi seems frightened of. I've never denied his talent, but his attitude will hold him back.

Funny though, I used to always complain about us not talking up our players enough. Now we've got a player that could go for a decent amount of money, I relentlessly criticise him.

Now 2-1 Partick. I blame Çiftçi!

I agree, I think I preferred Russell - but then I always thought Russell was better than Goodwillie as well and easily the best striker we've had since Noel Hunt and probably further.

Ciftci suits the United team as it's set up at the moment though

Ciftci equaliser

I see what you're saying about Russell having the consistency but I think the raw elements are there for Ciftci to be the better player.

I did love Russell but I did think he sometimes lacked movement when up top and often was reacting rather than anticipating. Ciftci, when he's not being a lazy kant, anticipates the game far better.

Very possibly. He is stronger and has more flair than Russell. My biggest concern over him is that we've had him for a season-and-a-half and I don't think he's improved. He's still inconsistent, occasionally spectacular, petulant, often lazy & greedy. All qualities he had when he first signed. Goodwillie & Russell all got considerably better at his age and with his level of experience.

It's so often the case in football a player will get the "he's still young; he'll learn" excuse until they reach about 26, haven't improved in a decade and people finally get fed up of them. Happened with a certain cup-winning United centre-half...

I get irritated by Çiftçi because he so obviously does have the talent, he just doesn't have the application. A crap player I can deal with, but a good one that doesn't bother is the ultimate sin. Jennison Myrie-Williams was a good example of that. Clearly had talent and bags of pace, but just couldn't be bothered.

Although a goal and an assist is obviously not to be sniffed at. Let's hope he can keep it up.