Celtic Transfers: 4 Key Reasons Why Celtic Have Signed Stefan Johansen

3. Excellent Passing Ability And Vision

This is what's most obvious when looking at footage of Stefan Johansen, due to the available highlights bypassing what he does when he is not involved in an attack. The midfielder seems to have a third eye for strikers' runs, but that's only half of it; the other half is his ability to not only time a pass, but shape his pass very precisely. He can cross, he can dink-pass, and he can turn a defence inside out in a split second if he has the opportunity. He can produce these moments from close AND long range also, distance does not seem to phase him. Johansen seems to have a creative spark about him that I can actually relate to Shinsuke Nakamura: the former Celtic player had the ability to do produce moments that few expected to happen, but just worked, and there are moments where Stefan has done the same.

2. He Can Score From Distance

Not only has he got an eye for a pass, he can shoot too - quite well in fact. His goals are quite rare with 9 goals in 74 appearances for Stromsgodset, but for a defensive midfielder that isn't a bad thing. What's noticeable though is that most of these goals have came from distance. Stefan has another trait that is shared with the Japanese ex-Celt - he has a decent left foot. There is even footage of him scoring a perfectly executed free-kick (this will be shown among other highlights on the next page). A goal threat is a useful trait for a defensive midfielder to have for more reasons than the obvious; it makes him unpredictable. If he makes a name for himself for being able to have a pop at goal as well as supply assists and progressive build-up play, defenders in our league especially will find him to be a bit of a handful.