La Liga outfit Valencia are heading to Celtic to face the Scottish Premiership champions in Thursday’s Europa League clash at Parkhead.
Charlie Nicholas has told Celtic that the key to beating Valencia in Thursday’s Europa League clash is to stop the influential midfielder Dani Parejo, speaking Sky Sports.
Valencia might be ninth in La Liga at present, having failed to replicate the success of their superb 2017/18 campaign, but they are still one of the strongest sides left in the competition on paper.
Parejo is certainly among the Europa League’s best midfielders; the 29-year-old having showcased his enduring class with a Man of the Match performance in a 2-2 draw away at Barcelona earlier in February.
The one-time QPR loanee is the man who makes Valencia tick, dominating their game plan with his probing passes from the base of midfield. And Nicholas believes that restricting Parejo’s influence is absolutely essential.
“Daniel Parejo is a creative and silky midfield player – Celtic must stop him,” said the former Hoops forward.
“Celtic have to keep their heads and be patient for the right moments. If they can stop Parejo and be aggressive, then I can see something happening.”
Brendan Rodgers certainly has options at his disposal to put pressure on Parejo in the centre of the park.
The likes of Callum McGregor and Scott Brown have the combativeness and energy to put pressure on the one-time Spain international and break up his rhythm.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
