Chris Sutton thinks £16k-a-week Celtic ace has regressed this year

Celtic ace Odsonne Edouard has experienced a “year of regression”, according to Chris Sutton.

The Hoops striker has claimed an impressive 66 goals and 33 assists in 139 club appearances, including 27 goals and 19 assists last term, helping his side to a ninth consecutive title.

However, Edouard hasn’t been quite at his best this season, with a number of below-par performances and a tally of six goals and two assists from 13 games, below his typical standards.

(Photo by Andrew Milligan/Pool via Getty Images)

That said, the last international break proved fruitful for the 22-year-old, becoming France Under-21s’ all-time record goalscorer with a brace in a 3-1 win over Switzerland U21s.

Edouard’s goals also helped his nation qualify for next year’s European championships, but according to Sutton, it’s his club form that will get him the “attention he might crave”.

Sutton wrote in the Daily Record: “Edouard’s displays at Celtic got the attention of the raft of scouts who are on his case.

“They will have tracked him for France but they will want to see the momentum he creates at club level.

“It’s all right talking about Edouard being a big asset for Celtic. But values can go down as well as up, and it’s the same in terms of which clubs might be interested.

“Edouard built a terrific reputation at Celtic in recent years as a player who does the job week in, week out, whether it’s in Europe or on the league.

“There has been a progression for him but you can’t get away from the fact this year has been a regression.

“He has to maintain his reputation by upping his levels and producing the goods over the coming weeks and months.”

TBR View:

Edouard is a superb player who has done incredibly well for Celtic, but all players can and will suffer losses of form during their careers.

Speaking ahead of the Bhoys’ Premiership meeting with Hibs, Neil Lennon admitted that speculation over the £16,000-a-week man’s future had affected his performances.

Hopefully with the international window having proven so fruitful, Edouard will refocus and get back to what he does best en route to a potential tenth title in a row.