Celtic's summer signing Oliver Sorensen has received a ringing endorsement from former Parkhead favourite Erik Sviatchenko. The 24-year-old midfielder, who joined on loan from Parma with an option to buy, was one of ten arrivals this window as the club strengthened its squad.
Sviatchenko, who played alongside Sorensen at Midtjylland, has highlighted the player's key traits in an interview reported by the Daily Record. He believes the Danish midfielder possesses the energy and commitment that will quickly endear him to the Celtic support. The Hoops are currently in a strong position, sitting first in the Premiership with a perfect record of five wins from five games, scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.
What does Erik Sviatchenko say about Oliver Sorensen?
Erik Sviatchenko knows what it takes to succeed at Celtic Park, having been part of Brendan Rodgers' historic Invincibles side. The 34-year-old defender, who recently signed for Port FC in Thailand, played with Sorensen for several years in Denmark. He has identified five key attributes that will help the new recruit settle in Glasgow.
Sviatchenko points to Sorensen's relentless energy, hunger, and willingness to give 100 percent in every match. He also highlights the player's physicality and his ability to influence games from box to box. "As a player, he reminds me a lot of KT," Sviatchenko said, referencing former Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney. "He has that same energy but in the middle of the park, it is just sheer desire and hunger." He added, "He will run all day. He is a really physical, box-to-box midfielder. Celtic fans can expect assists and goals from him."
How did Oliver Sorensen's Celtic debut go?
Oliver Sorensen has already made his first appearance for the club. His arrival was part of a late flurry of business, with six of the club's ten summer signings being completed in the final week of the transfer window.
Sviatchenko believes his former teammate is perfectly suited to the demands of Scottish football. He recalled Sorensen's impressive performances in European competition with Midtjylland and his top scores in fitness tests, suggesting the player thrives under pressure. The senior squad's injuries list includes several key names like Alistair Johnston and the very player he's compared to, Kieran Tierney, which may offer opportunities for new faces to establish themselves.
What is Celtic's current situation?
Celtic's strong start to the season has them five points clear at the top of the standings. The team's next challenge is a home match against Motherwell, who are fifth, on December 26th. This fixture is part of a busy schedule that fans can track on the club's fixtures page.
Sviatchenko, who left Celtic after a knee-ligament injury affected his place in the team, still holds the club in high regard. He expressed a touch of jealousy towards Sorensen and fellow Dane Kasper Høgh for their current experiences, describing Celtic as a "very special club to play for." He and his family plan to return to Glasgow soon to visit friends and take in a game at Celtic Park. Sorensen, for his part, had reportedly already decided to join Celtic before seeking advice from his older friend. The midfielder's initial loan deal from Parma, where he was on a five-year contract, includes an option for a permanent transfer.
