The first in the series analysing the Official Celtic Player of the Year candidates focusses on Callum McGregor. Appearances Only Hart has more minutes’ contribution this season than McGregor. His 3858 minutes equates to over 42 matches over 46 appearances. The 4 games he lost to injury in September coincided with Celtic’s worst form. A … [continue reading]
Bitton
McCarthy: A VERY Specific Skillset
Arguably James McCarthy had the most effective game of his fledgling Celtic career, away St Johnstone. Filling in amongst a COVID and injury ravaged squad, he fulfilled the sitting midfield role (or “6”) in a midfield three. Saintly McCarthy Some of his numbers were eye catching in that ultimately comfortable win. He led the team … [continue reading]
A Glimpse of Ange Ball
The Midtjylland Champions League tie was our first serious glimpse of Postecoglou’s playing philosophy under the stress of real competition. I believe we got more that we bargained for, and there were a few surprises! Starting Approach As expected, the team set out 4-2-3-1. None of the defenders were those we’d hope to have in … [continue reading]
The Welsh / Bitton Partnership
As highlighted yesterday and evidenced in preseason, defensive options are limited for Celtic ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier against Danes FC Midtjylland. The continuing absence of Jullien is a huge blow and his partnership with the soon to be transferred Ajer was the bedrock of the highly successful 19/20 season. Without endlessly debating the … [continue reading]
Centre Health
By James Dailey Are Celtic well covered at Centre Half? This seems such a simple question, but the answer is unfortunately conditional. Two centre halfs at Celtic get what I believe to be unfair criticisms which focus on relative weaknesses, ignore strengths, and lack contextual benchmarking. Of course, performance levels are irrelevant if players cannot … [continue reading]
Bitton Is A Centre Half
By James Dailey Much angst and disgust were expressed in the dying moments of the transfer window on Friday. Part of being a supporter is “enjoying” the raw swings in emotion. I wish I had a nickel for every time my Twitter feed included a post declaring how the board was amid betraying the support … [continue reading]
Rare Centre Back Continuity Brings Reward
The Mid-term report series turns its beady attention to the centre back position. This part of the team has been a problem for Celtic for many years in terms of injury and lack of continuity. This season saw Ajer and Simunovic prepped to start the European qualifiers by being installed as first choice at the … [continue reading]
Lazio Bitton By Tiny Margins
Another dramatic European night under the lights saw Celtic record a rare Italian win from behind – a resonant scenario. After last minute defeat, Lazio are probably still shaking their heads as to how they lost. On an equal share of possession and outshot 14-9, they nevertheless created the better chances. Six shots on target … [continue reading]
Power of Recovery
A new statistic I am capturing this season is Recoveries. These are defined by Opta as “…. where a player recovers the ball in a situation where neither team has possession or where the ball has been played directly to him by an opponent, thus securing possession for their team.”. Team Recoveries There are many … [continue reading]
The Problem Position Revisited
It has been the most problematic period of the Rodger’s regime over the last two weeks. At such times all perceived woes get an airing. Are the underlying performance problems at Celtic all that complex to understand? If we look at the issues surrounding the Celtic playing squad there are many. But I posit most … [continue reading]