Three things we learned from Sunday’s defeat at Kilmarnock…
It was unlucky number 25 for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side on Sunday as he failed to make it 25 consecutive wins in domestic cup competitions in Scotland. A 1-0 defeat in a game that Celtic deserved nothing from, many questions have been posed around Rodgers’ side after Sunday’s toothless performance.
Here are the three things I took from the 1-0 loss:
1. Left back is a problem
Greg Taylor’s poor start to the season continued on Sunday as he delivered another lacklustre performance for his own hitherto high standards. The 25-year-old has not adapted well to the tactical switch from operating as an inverted full back under Ange Postecoglou to staying much wider as an overlapping full back under Rodgers.
Taylor’s pace and physicality has always been somewhat of a concern, but it is highlighted when he is asked to operate as that overlapping full back. His ever-reliable distribution of the ball has also left a lot to be desired in recent weeks. Celtic were linked to French u21 left back Quentin Merlin earlier in the window, but things have quieted completely on that front. With two weeks to until the window slams shut, a quick, physical left back should be a high priority for Rodgers and the recruitment team.
2. McGregor’s role must be looked at
Callum McGregor has arguably been Celtic’s most consistent player over the past number of seasons, a slow start to the season should almost be dismissed by those who have began questioning him. Although the Celtic captain has had an underwhelming opening four games, talk of replacing him completely in the starting XI is naïve.
However, Tomoki Iwata or Kwon Hyeok-Ky could be given an opportunity in that defensive midfield position, allowing McGregor to move up into his natural number eight position. The injury to Reo Hatate also makes this decision an easier one to make. With the visit of a St Johnstone side who have won just one competitive game this season, Brendan Rodgers certainly has the luxury of potentially shaking that midfield up.
3. Left wing needs investment
For the heights Dazien Maeda reached in a Hoops shirt last season, he has been somewhat under par under Rodgers so far. Although the Japanese international had a successful pre-season, scoring a hat trick against his former club Yokohama and looking very sharp as a striker in Rodgers’s system.
Whether he can operate efficiently as a starting left winger in Brendan Rodgers possession heavy, technical style of play remains a question yet to be fully answered. Sead Hakšabanović future is also up for debate in this Celtic squad with the winger struggling to impress so far this season.
However, a question that is not up for debate is that Celtic are in desperate need of significant quality on that left wing. Jota’s departure from the club has left a gaping hole in our attack, a hole that has yet to be filled. You cannot buy guaranteed goals in football, but you would have to feel for Celtic to garner the same quality player in Jota, a fee above the £5 million mark will likely be required.
James French
I wouldn’t say Hakšabanović is struggling to impress this season – he’s just getting no chance. When he finally got his chance at Kilmarnock, he wasn’t exactly impressive, but one of the few silver linings. I’d love to see a front line with Yang, Kyogo and Hakšabanović in the starting line-up. Plus, we also have Marco Tilio, who I think might be quite similar to Jota in his playing style. I really don’t think we need any more wingers.