Celtic’s winning run following the winter break came to an end on Thursday evening, with Ange Postecoglou’s side losing 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie.
The Hoops conceded early on in each half but were given a glimmer of hope when Daizen Maeda headed home Josip Juranovic’s cross late on. However, just minutes later, the Norwegian side regained their two-goal advantage, leaving Celtic with it all to do next week.
With that trip to Norway in mind, we’ve used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse Celtic’s three worst outfield performers to have played at least 45 minutes – could this trio be looking over their shoulders regarding their place in Ange’s next XI?
In total, these players lost the ball a whopping 31 times, were second best in 10 of their aerial and ground duels and also missed one big chance.
Greg Taylor – 6.3/10
Taylor was the worst-rated outfield starter, ending with a rating of 6.3/10.
The left-back gave the ball away ten times, lost one duel and failed to make a single interception, clearance or blocked shot – hardly ideal for a defender watching his side conceded three goals at home.
The full-back registered just one tackle all evening and also managed only one cross, failing to have any real impact on either side of the ball.
Liel Abada – 6.4/10
Next up is Abada, who missed a big chance to score at Celtic Park. The winger was brought off just before the hour mark and had an evening to forget.
He lost possession on 13 occasions, was successful with just one of his eight crosses – a success rate of only 12.5 per cent – and was second-best in five of his eight duels.
Abada also failed to complete a dribble and had just one tame effort on target.
Carl Starfelt – 6.5/10
Starfelt is the third and final inclusion, losing over half of his seven duels (4/7).
The centre-back gave the ball away eight times and managed just one tackle all evening. Starfelt had a whopping 119 touches but failed to complete any of his attempted long balls.
With Christopher Jullien getting closer to full fitness, the summer signing may be running out of time as the number one choice to partner Cameron Carter-Vickers.
In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Incredible’ – Celtic pundit can’t believe what he’s heard from Parkhead; Ange ‘furious’.
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