Hatem Abd Elhamed has been largely a right-back since he joined Neil Lennon’s Scottish Premiership champions Celtic for £1.8m.
Hatem Abd Elhamed has given Neil Lennon plenty of food for thought by admitting to the Daily Record that he is more than happy to play at centre-half or even at left-back for the Scottish Premiership champions.
Signed in a £1.6 million deal from Hapoel Be’er Sheva over the summer, Elhamed versatility was surely one of the reasons why Celtic choose him to fill the void created by Mikael Lustig’s Parkhead departure.
The Israel international is a right-back by trade but he has impressed in a variety of different roles for club and country. And, after moving into the centre during the final few minutes of the recent Old Firm derby win away at Rangers, Elhamed started as a left-sided defender in a back three during Israel’s Euro 2020 qualifier defeat to Slovenia during the international break.
And the 28-year-old has admitted that he is more than happy to move around to suit his team’s needs.
“I was in the middle with Israel and also played for 45 minutes at left-back against Slovenia,” Elhamed said.
“I feel I am capable of playing anywhere in defence. It doesn’t matter to me whether it is right-back, left-back or central defence.
“I’m happy to switch positions.”
Fortunately, an impressive end to the transfer window means Celtic have more than enough cover in every defensive position. Jozo Simunovic, Christopher Jullien, Kristoffer Ajer and even Lee O’Connor are all options at centre-half while Greg Taylor, Boli Bolingoli and Jonny Hayes are competing for a place at left-back too.
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