Andy Walker is convinced that Jeffrey Schlupp is an upgrade on Greg Taylor for Celtic…
The former Sky Sports co-commentator appeared on the Let Me Be Frank podcast – which is hosted by another former Celtic striker in Frank McAvennie – this week and confirmed that Schlupp would be an improvement on Greg, just simply due to the physicality of the Crystal Palace loanee.
Taylor phenomenal in that inverted role
Taylor has been a fantastic servant to the football club, that cannot be denied; however, where Greg is lacking, is in physical attributes which he doesn’t possess. Under Ange Postecoglou, he was phenomenal in that inverted role, but when asked to play the role of a more traditional fullback, has struggled at times in man-to-man duels.
Taylor targeted for his lack of height and pace
The man who is a Treble-winner with the Hoops always seems to be targeted for his lack of height and pace – something that is even more noticeable in Europe. It is no fault of the player, as he can only play with the cards he is dealt. Having said that, there was a marked difference in Munich the other night when Schlupp was chosen over Taylor, as his strength and overall physicality kept Bayern at bay most of the match.
Walker was speaking about Schlupp and mentioned the glaring difference in physical attributes, which makes him a better choice than Greg. “When you look at Jeffrey Schlupp – and I know you see a lot of English football too and I go to a lot of English football – the biggest difference I see, on a weekly basis, never mind anyone’s ability, it’s the physicality,” he said to McAvennie.
‘Schlupp, look at the size of him. He’s so powerful, he’s so quick’
“The sheer size. Their physique. Their strength. And Schlupp, look at the size of him. He’s so powerful, he’s so quick. Totally different build to Greg Taylor. And I think he’ll be a great player for Celtic. He’s an upgrade on Greg Taylor. If you bring in Kieran Tierney, he’s an upgrade on Greg Taylor. But in all honesty, I think Greg Taylor has been absolutely terrific for Celtic.”
Schlupp was different class in the Allianz Arena this week and if the club can get him for nothing and on amenable terms, in the case of wages, he could be a real coup for the club. Something we’ve severely lacked for years in the squad, especially at European level, has been power and physicality. With Kieran Tierney coming back to the Scottish Champions too, the addition of Schlupp would make us highly equipped defensively moving forward.
READ THIS…Two crucial refereeing errors cost Celtic £9m in Champions League earnings
Andy Walker and Frank discuss Celtic’s left back position going forward – with Taylor, Tierney and Schlupp
For the full episode, click here:https://t.co/7KOLHPzx66@MaccaFrank @simonhouston68 #AndyWalker #KieranTierney #GregTaylor #JeffreySchlupp #Celtic #Letmebefrank… pic.twitter.com/9B85HTp16h
— Let Me Be Frank Podcast (@LMBFPodcast) February 20, 2025
Paul Gillespie
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