Callum McGregor

Inability to turn on the ball and drive into space costs us big time and means our playing out from the back struggles against a press.

We need to be thinking about a replacement for next year, someone who is press resistant and can be on the half turn when receiving a pass and not play it straight back from where it came from.

McGregor was poor first half good second half. Personally he just doesn’t have the quality anymore at this level and his declining burst of speed is hampering him.

 

I’m not his biggest fan in Europe but thought he was ok last night. But let’s be honest any one can do the sideways and backwards passing in our midfield if they need to.

I don’t think we can go into Europe next year with him being a starter though. He’s too nonexistent or giving the ball away for this level. Gets pushed aside fairly easy too.

 

watched the first half again just now. It was infuriating how many times he can take the ball on the half turn and drive us up the pitch but doesn't.
He was brilliant the last 20 mins of the second half from doing just that.

 

I get that but the whole dynamic of the team, the game, changed when Maeda went up front. I think we need to see if either Bernardo or Engels can play there, if not buy someone who can. Although as we have seen with the ones we have bought, easier said than done. McGregor would still be brilliant for us further forward.

 

Engels no look pass to nobody was the highlight for me last night..

 

He's so key in games like today.

Goodwin had one plan and it was to park the bus like * and try to eke out a 0-0. You need players with great close control and the ability to find those pockets of space in the final third. McGregor done that and then some for the opener, and we needed it to avoid the game getting a touch nervy and frustrating.

I know he's been getting some stick for performances against the higher level of opposition recently. But he's invaluable still in games like these when you're trying to move and break down a stubborn opposition.

Great performance.

 

Much better today, particularly first half. Was available in space.

 

We need someone to sit in his role so he can play further forward. Was excellent today around the DU box. Would like to see Engels sitting infront of the defence with McGregor and Hatate further forward.

 

You won’t find a bigger fan of his than me - but man alive, he was dug meat on Wednesday.

Mark of the guy that he could put that behind him and turn in a belter in the very next domestic game. Exemplary.

 

His goal today was his 72nd for Celtic - and is now level with Paul McStay.

 

It looks basic and simple....but defensive midfielder is one of the most difficult positions to play. Especially at top level in Europe. It is maybe THE most important position. I mean look what happened to Man City when that Rodri got injured....their whole team went to * through losing one player!!!

We need to remember the level of the opposition here. Its easy to end up overwhelmed and outnumbered against elite midfielders like Bayern would have. McGregor plays the anchorman role pretty well in Scotland but can be outplayed in there against better players.

It's not just him though, I mind watching Scott Brown in that position getting his * handed to him the entire game against Andrea Pirlo. Brown said Pirlo didn't even need to run...he just walked around the midfield controlling the entire area. He outclassed Brown for AC Milan. Then a couple of weeks later did the same again to him for Italy against Scotland.

It's different levels that people need to understand...and I wouldn't be so sure that playing anybody else in that position instead of McGregor would have a different and better outcome.
The one player that was an exact fit for that role was Aaron Moy. That was his perfect, natural position. But he's gone obviously.

We need a Paul Lambert. But we could not afford someone that good nowadays

 

Took him 175 games fewer to do so too.

 

The Maestro was never known for his goal scoring prowess, in fairness.

 

I can agree here. I don't think calmac gets much support jn midfield playing in CL either. No one showing for the ball so ends up isolated and passing back.

 

He did score a few crackers though!

 

Fantastic game from him. Maybe just ran out of steam when he had that chance through on goal, otherwise you would have fancied him to at least hit the target.

 

He’s unreal man