Celtic have issues all over the pitch, but one problem with the attacking line is a lack of balance.
That’s proven by how Celtic are stacked on the left flank because it could be argued that up to four players can play down that side.
Summer signings Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha certainly prefer that role, as does Celtic’s PFA Player of the Year Daizen Maeda, and the currently injured Jota.
That leaves the right flank void of quality and depth in quality, as Peter Grant has a bone to pick with the likes of Tounekti and Balikwisha.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesSebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s positions on the pitch for Celtic
Speaking on Go Radio, Grant spoke about how Tounekti and Balikwisha prefer to play on the left-hand side of Celtic’s attack.
But the Hoops hero said it’s ‘mind-boggling’ that the new pair don’t want to play on the other side, even though they are right-footed players.
Grant thinks a player, of any level, should be able to play on the right-hand side, as a right-footer, but that’s clearly not the case here.
“The wide players, that surprises me,” said Grant. “Both of them (Tounekti and Balikwisha) are right-footed, and they can’t play on the right-hand side, which is incredible.
“The amount of right-handed players who don’t play on the right-hand side now is quite incredible. I find it incredible. It’s too easy to pass the ball now.
“But to have right-wingers who can’t play on the right side. I find it mind-boggling. No matter what level you play at.
“I know it’s different now. They all like to step inside. But Celtic have inverted fullbacks, so there is no space in there. If teams are playing against you, they want you to come inside.”
Barry Ferguson on what Brendan Rodgers said about Tounekti and Balikwisha
Celtic have a few versatile players in their squad, including Maeda, who this season alone has been used across the front three, and most recently on the right flank before he got injured.
Barry Ferguson admitted that he simply can’t understand why players can’t play everywhere on the pitch, as he noted how Brendan Rodgers stated that Tounekti ‘doesn’t want to play on the right.’
“I hear so many managers saying, ‘oh, he doesn’t like playing there,” stated Ferguson. “I am like, what?!’ If you are told to play somewhere. If I am told to play somewhere by the manager, I am playing.
“I think somebody asked Brendan in the presser, and they asked him about Tounekti. He said, ‘he doesn’t like playing on the right.’”