Celtic passed their early season litmus test with victory over a rejuvenated and ever improving Aberdeen side on Sunday.
A win that should not be downplayed regardless of the deficiencies shown in Celtic’s performance, considering Aberdeen are the third best team in the country at the moment and the favourite to occupy that place come May next year.
A game that was not short of hurdles for Brendan Rodgers’ side to overcome, such as the injuries to the colossal Cameron Carter-Vickers and second half substitute Reo Hatate who was just starting to leave his imprint on the match. The Celtic manager will have learnt a great deal from Celtics trip to Pittodrie, here are the three things I took from our 3-1 win…
1. Full Back areas should be Rodgers and Mark Lawwell’s main concern
Both Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor looked unconvincing at times on Sunday, the latter surprisingly more so. Taylor was run ragged by Shayden Morris on Aberdeen’s right flank and couldn’t get to grips with the 20-year-old Englishman’s pace and directness.
Although Ralston looked slightly more assured defensively, his use of the ball at times left a lot to be desired. Although bringing in quality in both positions would be preferred, a more physically gifted left back should be a top priority for Rodgers and Lawwell Jnr.
2. Talk of project signings is simply untrue
There has been murmurings of discontent surrounding Celtic’s transfer business from sections of Celtic’s support. Many feel that Michael Nicholson and the Celtic board have not sufficiently backed Rodgers, instead opting to sign unknown ‘project players’. Two of these so called ‘project players’ shined brightest yesterday as both Hyun-Jun Yang and Odin Thiago Holm both excelled when coming off the bench in the second half.
Yang showed shades of Jota in his assist for the third goal, displaying trickery and good decision making as he set up Matt O’Riley for his second goal of the season. Holm already looks more than capable of making an impact this early in his Celtic career. Technically gifted, aggressive in the tackle and quick over a few yards, the Norwegian u20 international is showing shades of a complete midfielder. Both talents look like they will make impacts in the long season ahead.
3. Reo Hatate is a Celtic first XI player
Reo Hatate has had a somewhat difficult start to life under Brendan Rodgers, dropped for Celtic’s opening two league games. There is no doubting the Japanese international’s talent and Rodgers will know of it too, but the Irishman demands more from the 25-year-old still.
Improvements in his tactical familiarity with how Rodgers wants to play and taking care of the ball more will propel Hatate into Rodgers first XI. Regardless of this though, as soon as Hatate stepped onto the pitch he showed his class. Quick thinking and ambitious passes made Celtic look more comfortable in their 2-1 lead at the time. Unfortunately for Hatate injury could keep him out of Rodgers starting eleven for a little while longer, but there is no denying he is a must start.
James French
Meanwhile, check out Matt Corr speaking to the one and only Martin O’Neill on The Celtic Star Podcast…
Definitely calls into question the use of the football from our full backs after the first 2 games to date.
Currently allowing teams to press our full backs aggressively with forcing them into the long ball, which is to easy for teams to recycle the football.
You need full backs in today’s game along with CBs who can pass through the press, and we are struggling somewhat currently in this aspect of our game.
Needs to improve hugely before CL or a torrid campaign potentially awaits.
Still calls into question weather a new keeper with better distribution remains vital for ourselves in keeping with playing a possession based game?
Also would a 3CB option be better for ourselves in beating the press with better passing out from the back, than sticking with full backs who are struggling badly at present?