John Collins has handed down a ruthless assessment of Diego Laxalt in the wake of the left-back’s poor performance in yesterday’s Scottish Cup defeat to Rangers. Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Collins echoed the sentiments of a lot of the Celtic support as he detailed the poor performance of the AC Milan defender.
Rangers scored two goals, both were borne out of advances down Celtic’s left hand side, Laxalt appeared lethargic in attack and easily beaten in wide areas. The former Celtic Assistant Manager didn’t hold back as he criticised Laxalt’s effort in the defeat.
“Laxalt has been a shocking signing. How he played yesterday I’ll never know.
“His recovery runs, his effort at tackles, his blocks, he was a weakness that Rangers exploited on the right-hand side as soon as they saw the team sheet.
“Watch the first goal. Watch the recovery run of Turnbull and Laxalt. The referee runs past Turnbull, Laxalt’s jogging back, that’s why Celtic have had the season they’ve had.”
The Uruguayan joined on deadline day from Celtic’s Europa League Group H rivals AC Milan and immediately started the 2-0 home defeat to Rangers. His performances to begin with added a much needed pace and steel on the left hand side, something that has been missing since Kieran Tierney left for Arsenal. However, he was criticised for poor performances since November as Greg Taylor won his place in the side again.
Laxalt is reportedly available on a cut price deal but Celtic should not aim to make the loan stay a permanent one. Bolingoli will likely return in the summer as he looks to win his place back in the side. Unless the player wants to turn his back on Celtic after being thrown to the wolves over his idiotic COVID-19 breach. However, on the other side of town, such breaches were treated with impunity and the system was wilfully played.
