Frank McAvennie has dubbed Celtic defender Anthony Ralston ‘too lazy’ and urged him to ‘take notes’ from Boli Bolingoli.
The lowdown
Ralston has made 19 appearances for Celtic so far this season across all competitions. He has scored three goals, including one in the Hoops’ Europa League group stage opener against Real Betis, and provided two assists (via Transfermarkt).
In terms of the defensive side of the game, he ranks second in the Celtic squad for tackles per game with 2.5, while Bolingoli leads the way with three (via WhoScored). They have both averaged 0.5 interceptions, but the Belgian is making considerably more clearances – 3.5 per game to Ralston’s 2.1.
The latest
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said that Bolingoli, who is back in the fold after a loan spell at Istanbul Basaksehir, is setting an example for Ralston.
He accused the 22-year-old of ‘going missing’ as he prioritises his attacking responsibilities, forcing team-mates to cover for him.
“When you are a defender, you have to defend,” McAvennie said. “I know it sounds simple but it’s true.
“Ralston gets forward a bit and he got a few goals at the start of the season but I want my defenders to defend.
“I have gone on about how Ralston goes missing before. Other players end up doing his work for him.
“Bolingoli actually defends. He was brilliant at the weekend. He sits back and does his job. That’s not too much to ask for me.
“Ralston wants to watch Bolingoli and how he plays, he needs to learn. He’s too lazy at the moment.
“There is a good player in there, just do your job.”
The verdict
Postecoglou’s trust in Ralston is clear from the amount of football he has played this season. We can safely say that the Celtic manager doesn’t share McAvennie’s concerns about the 22-year-old’s application.
It could simply be the case that the two players the pundit mentions are playing to their own strengths. How much would Celtic lose going forward if the shackles were put on Ralston? Based on his tally of 1.8 key passes per game, quite a lot. If anything, he and Bolingoli appear to complement each other nicely.
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