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The midfield is vital when it comes to Celtic’s hopes of success this season, both at home and abroad. Getting control of the middle of the park is key to picking up victories in the majority of games.
Thankfully on most occasions this season the Hoops midfield has ensured that Celtic have been able to win the game. A big reason for that has been the performances of Tom Rogic.
Rogic has been a player reborn under Ange Postecoglou, the Australian manager has helped to take the playmaker’s performances to heights not seen in a long time. Now it seems at times that when Rogic doesn’t play, Celtic don’t play, which is a concern, but when Rogic does play he is arguably the best player in Scotland.
It has been a big season for Hoops captain Callum McGregor, who lifted his first trophy as Celtic captain, the Premier Sports Cup, in December. Hopefully that will galvanise him to win more trophies as skipper.
For the most part McGregor has performed well, but at times he is perhaps not as influential in games as he should be. He will be looking to impose him more on games at times in the second half of the season.
Nir Bitton is a player who has become increasingly influential recently. He has shown that his best position is as a holding midfielder, as he looks far more comfortable there than when he plays as a centre-back.
As for James McCarthy, he hasn’t featured as often as anyone would like. When he has featured for the Bhoys he has done well in a low key way, but he hasn’t been the influence that perhaps he could have been. There is still time for that, but for that to happen McCarthy will have to be more involved in the second half of the season.
David Turnbull has performed well, and looked well on course to score double figures in goals this season, before picking up a hamstring injury. He has been a real favourite of Ange Postecoglou, and you have to imagine that when he returns to fitness he will be back in the team.
None of the other Celtic midfielders have featured enough to make much of an impact, which could be a concern when there are injuries in the squad, which the Hoops have had to deal with this season.
Overall, the Celtic midfield, and Rogic in particular, have performed well. There are still some games where the team needs to impose itself more though, and if the team can do that the Hoops can have a very successful season.
Celtic midfield season 2021/22 rating – 7.5/10
