As Alan and I discussed on the most recent Extra Time episode, targeting “fallen angels” seems a reasonable part of a Celtic transfer and squad building strategy. I start with that statement, as I am predisposed to be biased in favor of this kind of signing. Acknowledging such biases and stress testing them within a robust analytical framework is all part of why this exercise was developed.
I generally try to refrain from rehashing information that is common knowledge on higher profile players, so will not get into the specifics on Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury history. The following are the club minutes played for him within Wyscout:
2024-2025 1,093
2023-2024 1,557
2022-2023 548
2021-2022 1,638
2020-2021 356
2019-2020 2,158
2018-2019 24
2017-2018 2,662
2016-2017 2,735
2015-2016 1,635
Assuming 14 league games and the potential for 4 Cup games remaining, that would be about 1,700 available minutes assuming 95 minutes per game. How he is to be used relative to starter, super substitute, and in what role(s), along with his ability to remain fit within whatever he is given, are big uncertainties.
We can see from the first graphic that his role changed a bit in his limited minutes at Besiktas, where he moved back in the 2024-2025 season mostly as part of a double pivot versus being in a variety of more attacking roles the prior season, including at left wing and #10.
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