Celtic Player Ratings v Aberdeen

Celtic kept up the pace with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race with a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon. It was a hard fought victory for the Hoops but one which they deserved. Here’s my player ratings from the match. 

Joe Hart - 6/10

The Englishman had a chance to be a hero in this afternoon’s match with Aberdeen’s penalty however Lewis Ferguson sent him the wrong way. Hart was relatively untested in open play and had a solid overall display. 

Anthony Ralston - 7/10

Anthony Ralston continues to give his all week in, week out for Celtic. The twenty three year old wasn’t able to get forward as much as he usually does with the majority of Celtic’s play coming down the left however the right back was cogent defensively. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7/10

Both Celtic centre halves had an equally well founded display. Carter Vickers’ done what he was supposed to do and the case for Celtic to sign the American permanently remains strong. 

Stephen Welsh - 8/10

Celtic academy graduate Stephen Welsh won countless aerial duels and was excellent on the ball, making a number of cross field passes. Welsh has proved himself to be a sufficient option in the heart of the Celtic defence of late, starting in each of Celtic’s last five games. 

Josip Juranovic - 6/10

Defensively, Josip Juranovic was great, however going forward, the Croatian slightly let himself down. Some of his final balls were not up to the mark but this is likely due to the fact he is tasked with playing on the opposite side to his natural one. 

James McCarthy - 6/10

I believe it is fair to say James McCarthy frustrated many with his performance today. The Irishman was lethargic with his passing however he did slip through Liel Abada whose rebounded effort led to Celtic’s second. In spite of this, I just don’t think McCarthy fits Celtic style of play and the decision to sign him on a four year deal remains a questionable one. 

Callum McGregor - 9/10

It was Celtic captain Callum McGregor who brought energy and vitality to the Hoops midfield today. The twenty eight year old was here, there and everywhere and also chipped in with a goal and an assist. McGregor’s driving run from deep led to him setting up Jota for the opener and David Bates’ failed attempted clearance ricocheted off McGregor and into the back of the net for the eventual winner. I believe McGregor’s performance today was one of his greatest so far this season. 

David Turnbull - 6/10 

Similarly to his midfield partner James McCarthy, David Turnbull wasn’t the most dynamic. There were a number of opportunities for the twenty two year old to run in behind however his lack of pace let him down. Turnbull has played a plethora of football lately and with Ange Postecoglou confirming Tom Rogic will be available for Celtic’s match with Hearts on Thursday, I feel this is the ideal chance to give Turnbull a much deserved rest. 

Liel Abada - 6/10

It wasn’t the greatest afternoon for Celtic’s Israeli winger Liel Abada. The twenty year old conceded the penalty which led to Aberdeen’s equaliser however he played a part in Celtic’s second goal; his rebounded shot going in via Callum McGregor after somewhat of a skirmish. The competition is certainly rife for the right wing spot at Celtic between Abada and James Forrest. 

Kyogo Furuhashi - 7/10

Despite not playing a part in any goals, Kyogo Furuhashi still had an exemplary performance. Some of his link up play was excellent as was his pressing. Even deep into the second half, the Japanese was still chasing down every single ball. The contribution Kyogo provides to Celtic’s attack should not be underestimated. 

Jota - 8/10

Along with Callum McGregor, Jota was a standout today. The Portuguese opened the scoring twenty minutes in to epitomise Celtic’s early pressure. Jota’s flair and panache excited many a fan and he could’ve easily had a few more goals, hitting the woodwork a total of four times. I think I speak for all Celtic fans when I say the club should sign him up permanently although as I mentioned in one of my previous articles, the club should not rush into anything. 

Substitutes 

James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Albian Ajeti were all called upon by Ange Postecoglou from the bench today and it was Forrest who was given the majority of playing time out of the Celtic substitutes playing almost half an hour. The thirty year old brought width and dynamism which Liel Abada failed to. Both Mikey Johnston and Albian Ajeti played a trivial amount of time however the former almost managed to bag an assist, setting up Kyogo whose shot was saved by Joe Lewis in the Aberdeen goal. 

On the whole, it was a thorough display from Celtic today. Whilst they’re winner was fortunate, it is moments like this you need throughout a season. 

Celtic are in league action once again on Thursday evening as Hearts make the trip to Glasgow. The Jambos sit third in the table after Celtic leapfrogged them today. 

Thank you for reading this article, if you have any thoughts or opinions, leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog.