Celtic: Fans defend Greg Taylor after tweet about ‘mixed’ European debut for Hoops

Many Celtic fans have rushed to the defence of left-back Greg Taylor in the wake of some concerning statistics stemming from his Europa League debut for the club last week.

Having joined the Hoops at the end of the summer transfer window, he played his first European game for the club in the 3-1 win over Rennes at Parkhead, although @Alan_Morrison67, a Celtic fan specialising in compiling numerical information on the club, tweeted that the defender had a “mixed but interesting” game, utilising some statistics to emphasise his point.

Taylor's European Celtic debut could best be described as mixed but interesting.

He started nervously. By the 34th minute he'd given the ball away 10 times from open play passes.

His 69% pass completion overall was the lowest in the team.

— celticbynumbers (@Alan_Morrison67) December 3, 2019

According to WhoScored, his passing success rate of 64.4% was the worst of anyone who featured for Neil Lennon’s team against Rennes last week, misplacing 21 of his 59 passes on the night.

Only one of his seven long balls found a team-mate, while he did not put in any accurate crosses or make any interceptions, although his tally of three successful tackles was bettered only by Ryan Christie in the Hoops’ line-up. [via WhoScored]

Who is the better player, Mikey Johnston or Mohamed Elyounoussi

Johnston

Elyounoussi

These Celtic fans on Twitter stood up for Taylor after his European debut for the club, with some believing that the 22-year-old will get stronger as he adds to his four Hoops appearances thus far:

His passing was much improved against County. Get the feeling he’s trying a bit too hard. I think he will be fine

— Mikey67 (@KerrMikeybhoy71) December 3, 2019