In the third article in the series of 2016/17 season reviews, I look at the performance of the full backs. A key position the way Celtic play, much is expected in the attacking third from the Celtic wide defence, especially domestically. Right Back Appearances In his 6th season at Celtic, Lustig held down the right … [continue reading]
Player Performance
Keeping Fine
In the second of the 2016/17 season reviews, I start at the back, with the goal keeper. I have already produced a feature on Craig Gordon, and I will not repeat it but request you read “Old Gord, New Tricks”. Gordon has been the Celtic first choice for the three seasons I have been collecting … [continue reading]
Shooting Stars
Top U21 Scorers I revisited the comparison of Celtic wide attackers in Give Me More Wings. This analysis was refreshed thanks to Tiago Estêvão? (please follow him on Twitter @TiagoEstv). Tiago has now come up with an analysis of the top 3 Under 21 goal scorers in each of the top 6 European Leagues (plus … [continue reading]
Water Carrying For Galacticos
The Spice Boy Younger readers will know Steve McManaman as a an analyst on BT Sports football programmes. Those of us of the Fantasy Football generation will remember McManaman as an assist machine for Liverpool – a key member of the “Spice Boys” as Liverpool transformed from serial winners to glamorous bridesmaids through the 1990’s. … [continue reading]
Give Me More Wings
Last night on Twitter, Tiago Estêvão@TiagoEstv posted a fascinating analysis of performance data for the 4 most productive wingers (goals and assists) from the 6 leading leagues in Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain – he is Portugese!). Wingers With End Product I reproduce the output here – again with thanks to Tiago … [continue reading]
Great Scott 2.0
Craig Fowler of ‘The Scotsman’ wrote an entertaining article on the 17 most improved footballers in Scotland this season. Our own Stuart Armstrong was at number one and you can read why here (The Renaissance Man?). At number two was the five (point ninety-nine!) in a row captain Scott Brown. Craig describes Brown’s efforts thus … [continue reading]
Running To Stand Still
The Science of Fitness There is no doubt conditioning a modern athlete to play football is a complex business. Sports science continues to evolve, and Celtic as a club embrace the most modern thinking and facilities. That is not to say what Celtic do is always right. There are as many opinions as sports scientists. … [continue reading]
Deeds of Boyata
Dedryck Boyata is currently back in a talented Belgian national squad, completing a circuitous journey from Manchester City “wonder kid”, through loans, a move to Celtic, errors and injury then back in the Celtic 1st team. The Manchester City Connection Boyata signed for Celtic on 2nd June 2015, the first signing by Deila of that … [continue reading]
The Rogic Effect
The Power of 10 – a Recap In the last article, I considered the impact of the players who have played the “Number 10” or Attacking Centre Midfield (AMC) role over the last 3 season (The Power of 10). Rogic is clearly the most effective goal scorer and held his own in defensive actions, whilst … [continue reading]
The Power of 10
The Celtic Number 10 Tom Rogic has been having the most productive season of his Celtic career, a career lacking linear progression and punctuated by spectacular goals, and injuries. He made the attacking midfield centre (AMC) position his own last season, taking over from Johansen who had been favoured by Deila. Commons has been the … [continue reading]