There were many bright spots despite a 0-3 Heroic Hammering at the hands of European Champions, Real Madrid.
None more so that the captain, Callum McGregor.
He led the way in most of the key defensive AND ball progression metrics.
In summary:
Of course, Real Madrid were not going man to man as many SPFL sides do.
Against The Rangers in the previous match, he completed only 26 passes.
Real Madrid would not deign to man mark any opponent I would suggest, and who can blame them. Such chores would be beneath the likes of Modric and Kroos who put their efforts into destroying the opponent by passing them to death.
So, he was allowed to play but looked worthy of being on the field with such company. And let’s not forget his outside the box striker that rattled the goal frame.
It was noticeable that Celtic’s most experienced international players all stood up well in this match – Hart, Juranovic, McGregor and Mooy when he came on.
This experience is not to be underestimated and McGregor at 29 is showing true leadership by example based on this stellar performance.
I am suprised that there hasn’t been more response to this piece Alan.
Then again it could be down to perhaps the realisation by some that McGregors role as the deep lying playmaker is actually his best position and not that of the Attacking Midfielder that mos have been crying out for since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou.
These stats Domt only counter that argument that Callum is best moved further up the Park but actually fully back the decision made under Rodgers to move him back where his ability to read a game,find space and find the right pass with the urgency required in a front foot attacking setup under Ange Postecoglou.
He’s as natural a Regista as you are likely to find in British Football in a very long time.
I’ve stated it many times on many platforms that McGregor is key to Angeball working so well at Celtic.
He’s as important to our system as Pirlo was to Milan or Verratti and Kroos are to PSG and Madrid.
These numbers won’t come as a shock to Ange Postecoglou but rather as a comforting reminder that his initial thought to build his new Celtic around Captain Fantastic was definitely the right choice.
The biggest issue is of course who drops in there should Callum pick up a knock or a culmination of cautions ?
Robertson I think is the future in there but at the moment he’s not even in the picture unless it’s a in pre Season photo shot at Lennoxtown.
We certainly can’t afford to replace McGregor in the market because you won’t pick up a genuine Regista for less than £30m anywhere.
No unless that is he’s looking for a retirement home and a pension boost in the SPFL.
The only way round the issue is a change of shape in the middle and reverting back to a double pivot which would give the likes of Abildgaard,Ideguchi and Mooy a hand in there.
Great work as always.