Why there's still a centre-back to be recruited for Hearts after signing of Lewis Neilson

Following on from the news Kye Rowles had joined from Central Coast Mariners, it was announced that Lewis Neilson would be coming to Edinburgh on a free transfer from Dundee United. But is the 19-year-old one for now? Or one for the future?

The most impressive aspects of Neilson’s game are his passing and confidence on the football. The ex-Tannadice youth product was a midfielder until moving into the centre of defence three years ago, a position he now considers his strongest. As a result, he’s got a poise about him in possession and can effectively pick out a team-mate.

Last season, in an admittedly small sample size having played just nine times for United, he ranked in the top 10 among all Scottish Premiership centre-backs for the accuracy of both his long passes and passes made to the final third. He’s also composed enough to step out of the defence and move into the space in front of him, thereby engaging the opposition and creating passing lanes when the situation demands it.

This should come as little surprise as he can also operate at right-back, but it’s safe to say his future belongs in the centre. While he does have comfort in possession, he lacks the explosiveness and crossing ability to be anything other than a safe option on the right side of a back four.

He’s got the physical tools to be a strong centre-back. He’s broad, has a decent height and is fairly athletic. Though it’s apparent he’s still got a bit of learning to go in terms of mastering the position at the top-flight level. He posted a 56.76 percentage for defensive duel success last term, which ranked second last among top-flight centre-backs, while his 58 aerial-duel percentage was in the bottom ten also.

By contrast, he’s an excellent tackler,