AZ Alkmaar v Celtic – Why Rogic and Turnbull must add responsibility to their attacking endeavours

As has been reported, James Forrest and James McCarthy have not travelled to the Netherlands for tonight’s Europe League play-off second leg meaning that Ange Postecoglou has even less room for manoeuvre when it comes to plotting a route to Group stage qualification against AZ Alkmaar in an already small enough squad.

James McCarthy Celtic FC, Ernest Poku of AZ during the Europa League play-offs match between Celtic FC and AZ Alkmaar at Celtic Park. Photo: VI ANP Sport 

In James Forrest there was an option to utilise Celtic’s assist and goal king on the left side of attack and in James McCarthy there was an option for, as he was utilised late in the first leg, a player who could add calming experience and a football brain conditioned from his time down south to defensive football and dealing with attacking onslaughts late in this evenings the game.

Celtic v AZ Alkmaar – James Forrest scoresPhoto: Andrew Milligan

As such there is likely to be a return to the two eights within Ange’s system for the talents of a reborn Tom Rogic and the impressive of late David Turnbull. In normal circumstances and against domestic opposition this would be of little concern, given Celtic appear to operate with a ridiculous amount of possession at home and as such defensive nous and discipline is less of an immediate concern. Tonight however that will not be the case.

Whilst Postecoglou has indicated he intends to play as he always does, the standard of opponent will mean Celtic will need to deal with concerted periods of pressure and as such the impressive attacking returns exhibited by both Rogic and Turnbull will also have to be married with defensive responsibility.

Celtic s David Turnbull celebrates with his team-mates. Photo: Andrew Milligan

One of the changes in tactics operated by AZ Alkmaar in Glasgow was to place a player on Celtic’s pivot throughout the game. Callum McGregor often had a permanent shadow and it may well be, with AZ recognising a deep lying playmaker is key to Celtic both defensively and as a first point of attack, such a tactic will continue tonight.

There is an argument Ryan Christie could move into one of the central roles and bring more energy, endeavour and protection to one of those eight positions, however the temptation for Postecoglou will surely be to operate Ryan Christie in the wide left position and free up the work rate and movement of Kyogo Furuhashi in the main striking role. Whilst Edouard could well play as the central striker and Furuhashi the left-wing role, it is clear whilst effective in both positions Kyogo’s strengths lie through the middle, and on a night when pressing from the front could be vital as our first line of defence, Edouard’s lacklustre approach to such a task would be a risk to take.

Christie, Rogic and Turnbull are going to be crucial for Celtic tonight. Photo: Andrew Milligan

As such both Tom Rogic and David Turnbull will have to show a side to their game neither are particularly renowned for but if both are to be key players in Celtic’s rebuild both will have to react defensively when Celtic lose possession, track their runners and at the same time ensure in transition they will be an immediately available out ball for a captain who will have a Dutch opponent as a second skin.

Tonight then will be an early indication if both Turnbull and Rogic, rightly lauded of late for their attacking and creative impact on the Ange revolution, can add the off the ball responsibilities to the goals and assist returns they have both evidenced successfully to date, and in turn can become relied upon performers against both domestic teams and opponents expected to ruffle the Celtic midfield.

This Celtic side has come a long way in a short period of time but tonight’s opponents take a tick, tick boom approach to building their attacks. When they explode on the counter the awareness and actions of Celtic’s two number eights will be vital to protect their captain. As such in a game with so many fascinating tactical battles ahead, the performance and progress of both Rogic and Turnbull may be amongst the most important, particularly so when neither James Forrest or James McCarthy can be called upon to offer security.

Niall J

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About Author

As a Bellshill Bhoy I was taken to my first Celtic game in the summer of 1987. It was Billy McNeill’s return to Celtic Park as manager and Celtic lost 5-1 to Arsenal . I thought I was a jinx, I think my Grandfather might have thought the same. It was the finest gift anyone ever gave me when he walked me through Parkhead's gates.

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