Last season’s improbable title win (beating the world champion Europa League finalists!!!!) was largely achieved by 16 players once the January transfer window had closed.
2021/22
Only 16 players completed over 500 minutes on the pitch in the 24 league and cup matches after that window.
40 players appeared for at least one minute during the season but the workload to bring home the league title fell almost exclusively to those above. Stephen Welsh contributed 417 minutes and Kyogo Furuhashi 330 as the next on the list.
This was one reason why Ange Postecoglou took a pragmatic view of the Europa Conference tie versus Bodo/Glimt. This surprised me at the time. I was firm in the view his attitude was “win every game”.
But the gaffer is more pragmatic than many think, and he prioritized the league and Champion’s League group-stage football overall.
It is also why the Summer 2022 activity was so aggressive with a further seven new permanent senior signings and two on a season’s loan.
2022/23
Consequently, this season, we see the workload more equitably distributed.
We are only 15 matches into the league season and 23 matches into the season, so this is a useful comparator to the post-January window period from last season.
We are up to 18 players with more than 500 minutes and three more – Alex Bernabei (489), Carl Starfelt (447), and James Forrest (394) close to that cut-off.
There are still some areas of high dependency.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, World Cup star, has shown the first signs of injury wear this season and is highly depended upon.
Grey Taylor is the undisputed left back as Bernabei is still very much in the settling and developing stage.
Callum McGregor’s injury has meant Matt O’Riley has been leaned on to pivot the team.
Summary
So, in summary, the squad is in better shape than last season to cover the cup competitions and the league but depth issues remain.
I expect another busy window, with Yuki Kobayahsi already on board and Alistair Johnston slated to join him.
There will be more.
Great analysis as usual Alan. We have an idea why Johnston is coming but Kobayashi could spell someone else leaving Celtic! Any ideas?
Could be Welsh wanting first team football, or future planning for not taking up the option on Jenz would be my best guesses.
Please let it be Stephen Welsh.
An out and out dud
Wow somewhat harsh on our young Celt. Maybe Yuki coming in spells the end of Jenz or Starfelt or CCV? Ange is ruthless. Remember almost everyone wrote Ralston off. (not me)
This first part of the season looks remarkably like the last part of last season.
Thanks for all the hard work on the site Allan. I really enjoy and respect your opinion and stats.