Celtic Players Rated: Champions League Brugge

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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Celtic Players Rated: Champions League Brugge Clash

Celtic's Champions League group stage opener against Club Brugge provided a mixed bag of performances. While the overall result – a 0-0 draw – might seem underwhelming, individual displays varied considerably. Let's delve into a player-by-player rating analysis, examining both the positives and negatives from the night.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart (7/10)

Hart was undoubtedly Celtic's standout performer. He commanded his area with confidence and made several crucial saves, keeping a clean sheet against a persistent Brugge attack. His experience shone through, proving vital in a match where Celtic's defense faced considerable pressure. He offered a calming presence and instilled confidence in the backline. A solid performance that deservedly earns him a high rating.

Defence:

• Greg Taylor (6.5/10): Taylor was solid defensively for the most part, dealing effectively with many attacking forays down his flank. However, he could have offered more going forward, lacking the incisive passes that have characterized his game at times.

• Cameron Carter-Vickers (7/10): Carter-Vickers was a rock at the heart of the defense. His positioning was excellent, and he won numerous aerial duels, thwarting Brugge's attempts to break through. A reliable performance, showcasing his defensive prowess.

• Carl Starfelt (6/10): Starfelt had a few shaky moments, notably a couple of misplaced passes that almost led to dangerous opportunities for Brugge. While generally competent, he needs to improve his consistency to reach his full potential on the European stage.

• Anthony Ralston (6/10): Ralston provided a good deal of energy down the right flank but lacked the final ball on numerous occasions. His defensive contributions were solid, and he showed commitment, but improvement in his attacking play is needed.

Midfield:

• Callum McGregor (7.5/10): McGregor, as always, was the heartbeat of Celtic's midfield. His tireless work rate, passing accuracy, and defensive contributions were crucial. He orchestrated the play effectively and provided a sense of control in the middle of the park. A truly impressive display from the captain.

• Matt O'Riley (6.5/10): O'Riley displayed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his technical ability with some clever passes and dribbles. However, he needs to be more consistent in his decision-making and maintain his composure under pressure in these high-stakes matches.

• Reo Hatate (6/10): Hatate was perhaps less impactful than in previous matches. He struggled to assert himself in the midfield battle and his usual creativity was less evident. He will need to improve his performance in subsequent matches.

Attack:

• Liel Abada (5.5/10): Abada showed his pace and directness but lacked the final product. He struggled to create clear-cut chances and his final ball often let him down. He needs to improve his efficiency in front of goal.

• Daizen Maeda (6/10): Maeda worked tirelessly up front, pressing high and disrupting Brugge's build-up play. He was a nuisance for the Brugge defenders but lacked the clinical edge needed to convert chances. His effort was commendable.

• Kyogo Furuhashi (6/10): Kyogo's movement was excellent, and he caused problems for the Brugge defense. However, he was starved of clear opportunities and couldn't find the back of the net. A frustrating night for a player who usually delivers goals.

Substitutes:

• Aaron Mooy (N/A): Didn't play long enough to warrant a rating.

• Josip Juranović (N/A): Didn't play long enough to warrant a rating.

• Sead Haksabanovic (N/A): Didn't play long enough to warrant a rating.

Overall:

The 0-0 draw against Club Brugge showcased a Celtic team that fought hard but ultimately lacked the cutting edge in the final third. While defensively resolute, they need to improve their attacking fluency and clinical finishing to truly compete at the Champions League level. Individual performances were inconsistent, with some players shining while others struggled to reach their full potential. The journey continues, and improvements are needed for future matches. This was a valuable learning experience for the team, demonstrating the high level required in this prestigious competition.