Liam Scales

Can’t believe the step up in level this season.

I was one of his biggest detractors last season but he’s been superb this season.

Defended that box with his life tonight

 

Absolutely, stepped it up a bit defensively, but his passing is where the biggest improvement has been.

 

I remember a lot of games last season where I was tearing my hair out because of Scales holding onto the ball far too long and passing up great opportunities to play the ball forward. For me, the biggest difference in him this season is that he's making his mind up early about which pass to play, and it's really improved the tempo of the team.

He's definitely improved this season, aside from the BVB game and Aberdeen's first, he's been pretty much flawless. First choice LCB for me without a doubt.

 

Was awesome last night but that one clearance, just after HT, saved a certain goal.

 

Where do people rank him in Cbs we’ve had since VVD?

If he keeps up this form he’s probably second behind CCV

 

He's always been decent at defending his own penalty box (unless him and Taylor have to communicate to pick up a man at the back post) but what's impressed me most this season is his passing. There were numerous times last night he could of panicked on the ball but didn't.
Excellent last night

 

It hasnt just been this season mate. Some people have been saying it for a while. The difference is now you are only recognising/appreciating him now.

 

Starfeldt was excellent positionally and was really good at making recovery tackles. But his draw back i felt, was that he was cagey/hesitant on the ball.

Scales for me, is good on the ball (i actually think he is underrated on the ball and harshly criticised) but sometimes overcommits and allows his man to get the wrong side of him. I think this is more prevelant vs physical players.
But scales will leave everything on the pitch and makes some crucial blocks and challanges.

One thing that should be appreciated also about Scales is that he plays alongside Trusty and O’shea (at international level) and looks every bit as good as them.
Both of those players cost upwards of £5m. Scales was a bargain for us.

 

His rise up in levels though, I can’t remember a player improving so much over such a short period of time. From when he first moved here to his level now is nothing short of incredible, the scary part is I can foresee him improving even more to a level where Champions League is his level.

 

You’re probably right, if he keeps it up.

I already prefer him to Starfelt and Boyata. Think Jullien, Sviatchenko and Simunovic on their day were at least as good, and Jenz would have proven to be the same level, if not better.

However, it’s a question of consistency over a length of time. I think by that metric, Scales will definitely have the edge over the others if he maintains this level for much longer.

 

We have 3 centre backs vying for 2 positions who are all about to come into their peak years. Scales development in the CB has been fantastic over the last 2 seasons. His passing is quicker, his positioning is better and he seems to be more organised. Trusty, after a ropey start, showed last night that in a fight under the cosh he is more than up for it. We all know CCVs talents.

For me Scales just tips it (no pun intended) as a partner for CCv for now but what a great position to be in. CCV has been a little injury prone the last while but now we look like we have genuine cover, and who knows, the big man may have a fight to get back in the side.

 

I'd prefer Boyata, Starfelt and Ajer over him just for pace.

Would say he's similar to Jullien and better than Simunovic, Sviatchenko and others.

I liked Boyata. Had good pace, was excellent defensively and he was great in the air probably only 2nd to Van Dijk and maybe Jullien. Great at set pieces also in both boxes.Only thing was he had blunders on the ball in him worse than anyone else but was maybe only twice a season.

Johnston CCV Boyata Tierney

That would be about as solid as we could ever hope to be at the back I think.

I think Trusty might be better than Scales also, be good to see him next to CCV, for me he looks a little more natural on the ball than Scales. Scales for a long time looked robotic and clumsy on the ball where as Trusty even playing on the right where he might never have played looks natural and calm on the ball, he's also more athletic and last night even when he had to go wide and defend the sides of the pitch he done it well where Scales struggles with that a bit with not being that quick.

 

@Liam Scales ye done no bad...

 

He's a far better CB than Boyata and Jullien was for me, and I rated Boyata more than most. Jullien was a bit underrated for us but he's nowhere near Scales level.

He's on par with Starfelt for me, he doesn't have the same brainfarts Starfelt had but Starfelt was a slightly better defender. Either way he's been immense for us.

 

Maybe so, we all see the game differently but I thought he was very low level in terms of decision making last year. The Aberdeen first goal last week is horrendous in that sense and he was doing that consistently last year.

On the face of it, yes unbelievable pass but if he drops a few yards Sokler has to beat him 1 v 1 before shooting.

He’s not perfect but he’s went up several levels this season imo.

 

I think when you simplify it into black and white Starfelt is better in most aspects but the Scales of this season gives a lot of Starfelt’s good attributes along with the balance on the left foot. Which cannot be understated how much a difference it makes for a team that plays out.

 

He has a genuinely lovely smile BTW.

 

I thought he looked really comfortable switching to LB on sunday and he could well be an option if we require some height in that position

 

I've watched it back multiple times and I don't blame Scales for that goal TBH.

In the build up, we are quite clearly holding a high line (and rightly so) and their player plays a delicious chip to McGrath that catches us out and we are slow to put pressure on him. If you watch the replay, Scales is the only Celtic player that realises this and is already dropping back before McGrath even receives the ball. Unfortunately, Sokkler also realises it. Trusty continues to hold a high line. By the time McGrath plays the pass, both Scales and Sokkler are turned and running full pelt, AJ has realised the danger and is running but is too far back to get there and Trusty is still holding a high line. It's then a footrace Scales loses to a faster player.

Scales, IMHO, couldn't have done anything different in this situation apart from being born with different genes. IMO Engels, who was in the best position to put McGrath under pressure and fails to do so, shares the blame with Trusty, who inexplicably decides to hold a high line in spite of there being no pressure on the ball. If you pause it when he makes the pass and look at the positions of Trusty and Engels and the latter's total lack of urgency, it's almost unbelievable.

 

I think its a great goal from their POV but a lot went wrong individually on our side. When you put it like that in terms of Engels especially, Scales is probably right initially being aggressive as he’s used to that being pressed harder in front of him. It’s horrendous from Engels especially because it’s not even like he’s trying to keep a good shape.