Celtic Player Ratings v Rangers
The second Glasgow Derby of the season ended in a long awaited victory for Celtic. The Hoops were utterly dominant in a derby which saw Rangers shell shocked from the off.
Here is my player ratings from the match.
Joe Hart - 8/10
The Englishman had a relatively quiet night but was sharp when called upon. He was quick off his line and a catalyst for Celtic’s second goal. Hart can add the Glasgow Derby to the list of monumental matches he’s tasted victory in.
Josip Juranovic - 9/10
Back in at right back, Josip Juranovic was silky yet calm under pressure. The Croatian was a standout performer and another prime example of Celtic’s prodigious recruitment in recent times.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 8/10
Along with several of his teammates, Cameron Carter-Vickers made his derby debut this evening. The American was well founded at the back and helped the Celtic backline nullify Rangers’ attacking threat. Carter-Vickers was dominant aerially and won countless duels.
Carl Starfelt - 8/10
The other half of Celtic’s centre back pairing was similarly solid as his partner. Despite recent criticism, Carl Starfelt was another one of Celtic’s excellent performers this evening.
Greg Taylor - 7/10
Left back has been a debatable position in the Celtic team in recent times and it was Greg Taylor who was given the reigns tonight. Taylor may have been overrun a few times but all in all, played his part in the overriding success.
Callum McGregor - 8/10
The return of Celtic’s captain to the lineup was a monnumental boost before kick off and Callum McGregor certainly lived up to the hype. The twenty eight year old controlled the midfield and simply offers something players like Nir Bitton or James McCarthy don’t in the middle of the park.
Reo Hatate - 10/10
There are few words to describe Reo Hatate’s performance tonight. The Japanese put in one of the greatest derby displays in a long while. Hatate opened the scoring with a cultured strike and after some sublime interplay, the twenty four year old sweeped home from outside the box to double Celtic’s lead on the forty second minute. Moments later, Hatate’s inviting cross was met by Liel Abada and it was sheer pandemonium inside Celtic Park. It was a truly terrific performance from Reo Hatate.
Matt O’Riley - 7/10
The English midfielder wasn’t afraid to throw himself around at times and he also used his physicality to his own benefit. O’Riley may only be twenty one years old, but he is certainly another promising player who Ange Postecoglou appears to have identified.
Liel Abada - 9/10
One of the most underrated players of Celtic’s season so far came to the fore once again. Abada netted yet another massive goal and all but secured the three points when he met star man Reo Hatate’s enticing cross. Minutes prior, the twenty year old teed up Hatate who made the score two nil. The Israeli constantly ran at his man and if it wasn’t for Reo Hatate’s phenomenal display, Abada could’ve been in with a shout for the man of the match award.
Giorgos Giakoumakis- 7/10
Giorgos Giakoumakis put in a shift up top and gave his all despite not significantly contributing to any of Celtic’s goals. The Greek striker continues to offer an alternative option for Celtic in attack.
Jota - 7/10
He didn’t really get the chance to impose himself on the game however Jota’s trickery and dribbling ability still caught the eye. In truth, the Portuguese did have an opportunity late on in the second half however he was unable to capitalise. Even still, Jota remains a key player in the Celtic side.
Substitutes
Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis were replaced on the sixty second minute by James Forrest and Daizen Maeda respectively. Neither were presented with any notable opportunities however the sheer pace and quickness of Maeda undoubtedly struck fear into the Rangers defenders. The other three substitutes saw James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro and young Ben Doak replace all of Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley and Jota. Similarly to the other substitutes, none stood out yet fitted in nicely.
Celtic are now top of the Scottish Premiership. The Hoops were thoroughly worthy of the win which put them there.
Going forward, Celtic face Motherwell on Sunday as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
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 for more Celtic and Scottish football content.
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