With Greg Taylor’s future at the club still uncertain, Alex Valle could establish himself as Celtic’s first choice left back…

Valle has impressed since arriving from Barcelona

Since arriving from Barcelona, Alex Valle has featured four times in Hoops colours, impressing in his most recent performance against Ross County in Dingwall.

Greg Taylor whose contract does not look like it will be resolved anytime soon pulled out of the Scotland squad with an injury earlier last week.

The 26 year-old played only 45 minutes against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in the penultimate league fixture before the international break. He also did not come back out for the second 45 at the Westfalenstadion against Dortmund. Bluntly, unlike Perth, the substitution against Nuri Sahin’s side was for personnel reasons.

For Taylor it was the same old story in Germany on the European stage for Celtic. A constant reoffender for poor displays on the continent, he did not cover himself in glory against a fine opponent in Karim Adayemi.

Woefully exposed at Champions League level

Despite being woefully exposed at Champions League level, Taylor’s form under Brendan Rodgers domestically has been exceptional.

A consistent performer in the league, he has become a leader in the dressing room which has been admirable.

However, with Valle now settled into life in Glasgow, the battle for the left-back spot is now on.
The 20 year-old’s encouraging showing in the second half against Borussia Dortmund was the only positive showing on what was a reputational damaging night.

Competition in that side of the field is what the squad needed as Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was a Greg Taylor injury away last season from a defensive crisis.

Brendan Rodgers should start with Valle against Atalanta 

Brendan Rodgers should end the Taylor experiment in the Champions League by starting Alex Valle in Bergamo versus Atalanta. Rotation between the two from now until the end of the season will be frequent.

A key test for Valle over whether he can become a permanent Celtic player or not will be his performances at the elite stage. He should be given that opportunity in 10 days time.

Conor Spence

READ THIS…Hearts 1-0 Celtic – Dreadful in the first half, wasteful in the second