Celtic’s style of play has come under plenty of criticism this season.
Under Brendan Rodgers, things were notoriously controlled and slower in tempo – though he would dispute this, with his infamous Honda Civic comments pointing towards this being a squad issue.
But things looked different on Wednesday, in the Hoops’ first game under the interim guidance of Martin O’Neill. There was a notable increase in direct passes, and a different shape to the team’s midfield.
With Benjamin Nygren dropping back into the middle of the park alongside Arne Engels and Callum McGregor, things looked to have more intensity, with the Swede playing on the left side rather than the right of the triangle.
Marcelo Saracchi also earned praise for his performance, creating a potential selection headache for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final. For Peter Grant, his performance highlighted the deficiencies of another Celtic man.
Peter Grant on Marcelo Saracchi and another Celtic man
Saracchi is in direct competition with Kieran Tierney for the left-back position, with the Scotland star’s fitness requiring additional attention.
They often share the left side with Sebastian Tounekti. But fellow summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha has seen less game time.
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The 24-year-old Belgian was brought to Parkhead in a £4.5 million deal in the last week of the transfer window, and has started just twice.
But from what he has seen, Grant is frustrated. Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant slated his lack of invention, and praised Saracchi.
He said: “Saracchi, for me, I thought he sparked the crowd with a couple of the runs he did. Just simple things.
“People think it’s a bit of technical skill or whatever, but shots, crosses, efforts on goal… that’s what supporters want to see. That doesn’t change.
“People taking some on in a one-vs-one situation. There wasn’t enough of that. And that’s not a criticism of Brendan, that’s a criticism of the players.
“Balikwisha’s a winger that, at this moment in time, every time I see him, he passes it. You’re a winger, son! Take somebody on! Lose the ball, you’ve got a license to lose it.
“So that’s not a manager thing. Brendan Rodgers or Martin O’Neill isn’t saying to him, ‘pass the ball, son’. Your job is to go and create something.”
Who will start for Celtic against Rangers?
The lack of balance in Celtic’s attack creates a tricky selection situation. Tounekti, Balikwisha and Daizen Maeda all favour the left side of the front three.
As Maeda looks to regain his fitness, Johnny Kenny’s two goals against Falkirk were encouraging. But will this earn him a place against Rangers on Sunday?
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Maeda’s fitness will be a big factor. Should O’Neill wish to stick to the same midfield three from Wednesday, Reo Hatate will also have to miss out, and Forrest will have to start consecutive games.
There are plenty of calls for him and Shaun Maloney to make. But as far as Grant is concerned, Balikwisha won’t be one of them.