Celtic’s ever changing attack under Brendan Rodgers

Celtic’s ever changing attack…

Since returning to the club in the summer, Brendan Rodgers has tampered with 11 different starting front threes.

Injuries have contributed to an ever changing attack, but there is no denying Celtic have failed to replicate the consistent attacking fluidity achieved last season under Ange Postecoglou. Over the course of 31 games so far this season (excluding Buckie Thistle), Celtic’s starting attack has only assisted each other on five occasions.

A lack of cohesiveness as a result of an alternating frontline can only be used as a minimal excuse considering Celtic’s most started attack has been relatively prolific.

Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma have registered 14 goal contributions in 10 games while starting together, but only twice has the trio set up goals for each other. Celtic have relied upon the increased output of Matt O’Riley this season, with the midfielder standing as the club’s top scorer with 10 goals whilst also sitting second in assists with seven.

In terms of expected goals and attacking statistics, this season is relatively similar to last, with Rodgers side even underperforming their expected goals, scoring 55 times from an XG of 64.0. But the attacking output and quality of Celtic’s wing play has seen a drop off, with the wingers at the club registering just 28 goal contributions combined.

A period of transition was expected with Ange’s high-intensity ultra gegenpressing style swapped for Rodgers’ more controlled possession based system, but the Irishman is yet to find an attacking formula that clicks.

A lack of quality in those areas as a result of poor recruitment is a genuine reason for his side’s issues this season, but the drop off in form of the league’s top scorer last year in Kyogo Furuhashi is worrying to say the least.

The Japanese international has suffered from a lack of service this season, and perhaps the change of style from Ange ball, with a reliance and emphasis on cut backs in the six yard box no longer a consistent feature of Celtic’s attacking play.

Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic scores. Aberdeen v Celtic, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Football, Pittodrie, Aberdeen, UK – 03 Feb 2024 Photo Mark Runnacles/Shutterstock

Nicholas Kuhn has been brought in to improve Celtic’s wideplay, and a goal on his debut will certainly aid his chances of a start tomorrow, with Rodgers’ attack looking slow and lethargic at the weekend. Luis Palma has been statistically one of the club’s best players this season, scoring five goals and registering nine assists from 19 league games, but his form has declined recently with the Honduran failing to provide a single goal contribution in his last four league games.

A shake up is needed in attack, with Vata and Kuhn coming in for Abada and Palma the most obvious and logical changes. Vata will provide pace, physicality and a directness which Palma lacks in abundance and Kuhn starting over Abada makes sense considering his debut goal at the weekend.

With a serious title race on the cards this season, Brendan Rodgers must find a consistent attacking formula or risk losing the title in Scotland for the first time in his career.

James French