Billy McNeill believes that Kris Commons stands comparison with Lubo Moravcik.
On Tuesday night Commons was heavily involved in everything that Celtic did as they hammered St Johnstone 5-0 on route to the semi-final draw for the League Cup.
From the transfer fee, previous clubs and low key arrival the comparisons between Commons and Moravcik are obvious.
Moravcik marked his arrival as a Celtic player with a devastating derby display in 1998 as Celtic hammered Dick Advocaat’s side 5-1 and went on to score a double at Ibrox in an equally memorable 3-0 win in Martin O’Neill’s treble season.
Commons had the same happy knack for finding the Rangers net with McNeill thrilled by the midfielders domineering performances this season.
“Lubo Moravcik was a truly wonderful player for Celtic and cost a pittance,” Caesar explains in The Sun.
“The biggest compliment I can pay Kris Commons after yet another tremendous goalscoring, goalmaking display is he is the the closest there’s been to Moravcik in the last decade.
“There are clear parallels with the past and current heroes, not just the fact both joined for bargain-basement £300,000 fees.
“Commons is also two-footed and he, too, is terrific with set-pieces, can pick a pass and operate just behind a lone striker. And his finishing? Well, as I saw again against St Johnstone on Tuesday night, it’s of the highest order.”
McNeill added: “The big difference between the pair is that Moravcik was coming to the end of his career when he arrived at Celtic Park. He was 33. Commons was only 27 and less than two years later he’s approaching the peak years.
“I just see him getting better and better and with his ability he can emulate Moravcik.
I think Commons is perfect for Celtic and the value he’s given the club for what he cost is nothing short of remarkable.
“I would already rate him one of Celtic’s best ever buys and Neil Lennon has to be commended for bringing him north.
“Of course, it’s believed he knocked back Rangers to join Celtic and that just makes him all the more popular with the supporters!
“I like Commons’ style. In full flow he’s a joy to watch. He loves a shot from distance and unleashes them with real venom but it’s creativity as much as anything that excites the fans.
“Commons is a clever boy and he has got a trick or two to bamboozle defenders. He and Gary Hooper are close friends and you can see that on the pitch where they are very aware of each other, and Commons knows the kind of pass that Hooper thrives on.
I think he’s an extremely important player for Celtic.
“Last season, Commons’ first full campaign at the club, was a troubled one, mainly due to injury. It was only towards the end of it that he started returning to the form we all know he’s capable of. This season he’s been simply tremendous — arguably Celtic’s best player.
“I also like the fact he works hard for the team. Defending might not be his speciality, but he’s not afraid to muck in and do his bit.
“Commons will be held in as high esteem by the fans as Moravcik if he maintains this form over a longer period and helps Celtic win trophies.”
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Nice though billy but not in this life time or any other commons is a great player but lubo came from another planet big man. Hail hail
No where near lubo. If you mix the best of paddy add in some commons then a touch of real magic a footballer of similar ilk to Lubo may arise. I’d have taken a young Lubo over henrik (just)
henrik is king the best i have ever seen at celtic ( i am 38 ) lubo was unbelievable but henrik another level altogether how we kept him for so long is still the biggest mystery on the planet mate hail hail
Henrik,lubo yawn, you guys are forgetting Stuart Slater,when he signed they said he’d put bums on seats,he did, every time he got the ball we sat down lol.
How can we forget wayne biggins the goal scoring sensation lol
, Commons couldn’t lace Lubo’s boots.
Commons will be better than Lubo by the time he leaves (imho). Too much rose tinting going on here, Lubo was sublime yes, but of more benefit to Celtic than Henrik. Put down the bottle, please.
commons is or never will be anywhere near as good as LUBO he was different class and we didnt have him at his prime.
Out of 10….. Commons is a 6…
Lubo was a 9, Henrik a 9.5………. all this on basis Messi is a 10
so, in short, commons isn’t a patch on these trully world class players.
Commons will give Celtic more than lubo ever did. Simply by the fact that he will be here longer and at a younger age. Nostalgia is clouding your views of Commons when compared to Moravcik. Commons a six? Get real. Lubo wasn’t that good or impact full after his first two seasons and didn’t even start for MON. Commons will score more goals, make more goals, and win more trophies than lubo did. Wonderful aged player but Commons will prove the better Celt.