Celtic Player Ratings v AZ Alkmaar

Celtic made sure of a place in the Europa League group stage on Thursday evening despite a 2-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar. Kyogo Furuhashi’s strike turned out to be decisive as the tie finished 3-2 on aggregate, in Celtic’s favour of course. Let’s get into the player ratings. 

Joe Hart - 6/10

Despite a mammoth error for AZ’s opening goal of the game, Joe Hart made some crucial saves you wouldn’t have been surprised to see Scott Bain or Vasilis Barkas let in. The Englishman wasn’t the most convincing although his afore mentioned saves and an ample commandment of his box earn him a rating of six. 

Anthony Ralston - 7/10

Anthony Ralston won countless headers, especially in the second half. The Scot was unfortunate not to score with two headed efforts however he did play a pivotal ball in behind the AZ defence for Celtic’s only goal of the night. 

Carl Starfelt - 6/10

The Swedish centre back hasn’t conceivably had the best of starts at Celtic and he tonight was at fault for the opposition’s second goal. Starfelt though, upped his game in the second half and remained a rigid part of the back line in the second forty five minutes as the Hoops hung on for a place in the Europa League group stages. 

Stephen Welsh - 6/10

It was up for debate whether or not it was Stephen Welsh or Joe Hart who was responsible for AZ’s equaliser on the night. Welsh’s poor control led to Zakaria Aboukhlal being in on goal. Apart from that, Welsh looked like the superior player in the Celtic defence. 

Greg Taylor - 3/10

The 23 year old gets such a low rating due to the fact he was subbed off on the 24th minute. Adam Montgomery replaced Taylor who seemed to have pulled up with a shoulder injury. 

Callum McGregor - 5/10

The Celtic captain’s performance was arguably one of the worst he’s had this season. McGregor seemed to be second best to the ball in midfield a number of times. He was also booked although I’m certain the 28 year old will follow up a deficient performance tonight with a greater one in the Glasgow derby on Sunday. 

David Turnbull - 6/10

Turnbull scored a hat trick at the weekend against St. Mirren and was acutely lively. In contrast, the midfield player ghosted in and out of the game tonight and rarely had any big moments. Turnbull though, did play the full ninety minutes as I’m sure he will at the weekend. 

Tom Rogic - 6/10

Similar to David Turnbull, Tom Rogic rarely imposed himself on the game. Rogic came off the bench at the weekend to set up midfield partner David Turnbull for his hat trick goal. The Australian was rewarded with a start this evening but wasn’t able to impress. He was replaced by Odsonne Edouard on the hour mark. 

Liel Abada - 7/10

The teenager provided a tricky test for the AZ defenders. His pass which flashed across goal set up Kyogo Furuhashi for Celtic’s opener on the second minute. His defensive work rate wasn’t lacking either and he was also willing to make runs, carry the ball and make tackles; the Israeli made the most in the game with four. With James Forrest being left at home for the Hoops’ trip to the Netherlands, Abada is ‘odds on’ to start at Ibrox at the weekend. 

Kyogo Furuhashi - 8/10

Kyogo burst on to the scene early on in the game with what turned out to be the tie winning goal. The Japanese was nippy once again, giving the AZ back line something to think about as pressed what seemed to be every ball. The 26 year old also drew the most fouls out of any player in the match. Kyogo extended his stately goal scoring record so far at Celtic which now stands at seven goals in eight games. 

Ryan Christie - 8/10

Ryan Christie displayed his versatility and value to the Celtic side once again tonight. Christie started at left wing and was moved to a deeper role in midfield to make way for Odsonne Edouard’s arrival. He then moved back to the position he started the game in when Ismaila Soro was introduced. The Scottish international’s contractual situation endures to be up in the air. I feel Celtic should do all they can to tie Christie down to a new deal. The depth he brings to the squad as well as experience, even at the age of 26 is vital. 

Substitutes (Because Ismaila Soro was introduced on the 86th minute, he will not be rated) 

Adam Montgomery - 8/10

The 19 year old had just six senior appearances to his name prior to tonight. Montgomery was undoubtedly threw in at the deep end and dealt with this experience in a manner which his age doesn’t suggest. The Scot plausibly prevented a golden Alkmaar opportunity when Ernest Poku failed to convert into an open goal; it looked like Montgomery done just enough to put the Dutchman off. We’ll surely see much more of Montgomery throughout the remainder of the current campaign, of that I’m sure. 

Odsonne Edouard - 6/10

The Frenchman’s initiation to the pitch on the hour mark provided Celtic’s attack with a divergent dynamic. Edouard was able to hold the ball in and win aerials; something Kyogo was unable to do due to his and Edouard’s contrasting statures. Edouard’s introduction turned out to be a masterstroke from Ange Postecoglou. Until his arrival on the pitch, Celtic could scarcely get out of their own half. 

Now that Celtic’s place in the Europa League is confirmed, you can check out the changes to European group stage football that will affect the Bhoys. Just return to the home page and scroll down to the second post. 

Thank you very much for reading this article. If you agree or disagree with any of these ratings, leave a comment down below. Also, you can follow me and get much more Celtic and Scottish football content on my Twitter page @Josh_Footblog.