Uruguayan winger-come-defender Diego Laxalt came under heavy criticism from Celtic fans today, despite a routine win over Dundee United – with many fans clamouring for the return of Greg Taylor in time for Saturday’s Glasgow derby against theRangers.
Laxalt, who signed for Celtic on loan form Italian giants AC Milan in the final ebbings of the transfer window, has featured prominently in the Hoops’ topsy-turvy campaign this season – starting all of their Europa League group fixtures, alongside every Scottish Premier League game bar two – the wins over Kilmarnock and Hamilton Academical.
However, despite some solid, resolute and very collected performances in his time at Paradise, Laxalt came under some ire-filled comments from Celtic fans this afternoon for his poor positioning, defending and overall talent.
Playing in the left-back birth, Laxalt failed to impress a large number of the Bhoys’ fan base by allowing the majority of Dundee United’s fruitful attacks to occur down his side of the pitch.
One fan even claimed he was ‘a liability’ for Neil Lennon’s side – something which, in reflection, is rather harsh – even if he did have a poor game.
Laxalt has looked very poor as well today. Just doesn't look interested.
— Jamie (@Jamie8419) December 30, 2020
Laxalt doing nothing today. Taylor better in position. That’s no huge praise of Taylor btw
— HoopedCorteo (@CorrannyBhoy) December 30, 2020
Laxalt simply shouldn’t be playing – he isn’t good enough.
— Tictop67 (@toptim77) December 30, 2020
Laxalt is a heedless chicken. Don’t get the love in for him, a liability.
— Bukowski (@celticwonthewar) December 30, 2020
Laxalt nowhere to be seen again. One ball down the channel and we were totally exposed.
— Ants (@tonygallagher07) December 30, 2020
With theRangers on the horizon, it would be foolish to drop Laxalt given his clear and obvious experiences in big fixtures, having played in many derbies around the world – most notably six appearances in the Milan Derby, in which he has won three.
Make no mistake, his invaluable leadership will be much needed on Sunday in arguably the biggest derby in years.
