Former Aberdeen manager turned pundit, Derek McInnes has named four Celtic players in his Cinch Premiership Team of the Season so far. Central defender Cameron Cameron-Vickers was named in the backline of McInnes’ 3-4-3 formation with Celtic captain Callum McGregor operating in the middle of the park with attacking duo Jota and Kyogo named in the front three of the team.
In his Daily Mail column, McInnes justified his selections including praise for Celtic’s talisman, Kyogo. Arriving from Vissel Kobe in the summer, the forward quickly endeared himself to the Celtic support with energetic performances and goals.
“His first-time finishing is exceptional and he also gets his scrappy goals, he is where he should be when the ball arrives in the box and he has scored a couple of headers. He just has that instinct to score.
“He is a wasp. He annoys the life out of defenders and never gives them a minute’s peace. Even when not at his best he still puts in that effort for his team in spades.”
McInnes’ team comprised of – Craig Gordon; Cameron Carter-Vickers, John Souttar, Calvin Bassey; Martin Boyle, Callum McGregor, Glen Kamara, Calvin Ramsay; Jota, Kyogo, Aribo.
McInnes picked ex-Celt Craig Gordon in nets, ahead of Celtic summer signing Joe Hart. Gordon left Celtic in the summer of 2020 and the 39-year-old has found his best form in-between the sticks with Hearts.
“Allan McGregor and Joe Hart bring so much to the Glasgow teams but Craig Gordon’s importance to a newly-promoted Hearts can’t be overstated.
“He has made big saves in key games, moments that have prevented one point turning into none or a win becoming a draw. Robbie Neilson did brilliantly to get him and to have someone performing at such a high level has been crucial in how well they have managed to start the season.”
It is telling that four Celtic players are included in the team, given the energetic displays that we have witnessed from Ange Postecoglou’s team so far. We will likely see a refreshed team return in January as Celtic look to take the top spot from Rangers. Players like Tom Rogic, Tony Ralston will want to back up their first half with another strong showing in 2022. The new signings, including Daizen Maeda, will be keen on making their impact known for Postecoglou’s title chasing team.
