The dust has settled on what was a humiliating 7-1 trouncing in the Westfalenstadion with Celtic’s perfect start to the season ending abruptly. Here’s the third of my three takeaways from my trip to Germany…
Valle, the shining light
The Spaniard arrived into the game at half-time following a dreadful first-half performance from Greg Taylor. It is rare for Taylor to have had such a poor game considering the 26 year-old has been tremendous since Rodgers return to the club last year.
The substitution had to be made, and Valle was excellent. In fairness to Taylor, he was up against the best player on the pitch during the first half. Karim Adayemi bagged a 31 minute hat-trick but then came off three minutes inside the second half.
Life was made that bit easier for Valle, but he was still in a tough environment. Defended diligently, but also created more than a few chances with positive attacking play down the left side of the pitch.
FIRST DORTMUND TAKEAWAY…Celtic must be humble against Atalanta and drop the ego
Celtic’s finest opportunity of the match came directly from Valle who used his initiative, interchanging well and then delivering a dangerous cross. Unfortunately, it was one of those nights and Idah could not bundle the ball in from close range. Possibly meriting a first start in a Celtic jersey, Alex Valle would be unlucky not to be given the nod at Dingwall on Sunday.
Conor Spence
Unfortunately for Taylor, nights like dortmund, throws the whole contract situation regarding up into the air yet again?
Taylor has shown that he was worthy of keeping hold of the first choice LB position?
The unanswered question still remains as to whether that is going to remain the case going forward, which in turn is going to effect the amount involved regarding his contract situation?
So still a catch 22 situation exists regarding the longer term future for Taylor imo?
Think valle will get the start in Dingwall, as deserves to, regardless of Taylor potential injury concerns?
Could well be January now, before how our LB position might get resolved for the longer term, but still fairly well covered for the short-term, even if it might not be as clear cut as to who is going to be our first choice LB going forward?