Sport Nation 2Celtic’s relentless run in the Scottish Premiership continued with a comfortable 2-0 win over Dundee, adding three more points to Brendan Rodgers’ tally. While the focus of the Scottish football scene was largely on Aberdeen’s victory over Rangers, Celtic maintained their grip at the top with another solid performance. Goals from Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels were enough to secure the win, but not every player impressed in this outing.
In recent weeks, Rodgers has been rotating his lineup to keep players fresh ahead of key fixtures, particularly with the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen on the horizon. As a result, several fringe players had an opportunity to stake their claim for a regular starting spot. However, pundit Hugh Keevins was far from impressed by the performances of two players making their first Premiership starts this season—Hyunjun Yang and Luis Palma.
Yang and Palma Fail to Impress Keevins
Hyunjun Yang and Luis Palma were handed starting roles against Dundee, as Rodgers opted to rest key players like Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda. This rotation was intended to offer fringe players a chance to demonstrate their abilities in a competitive setting. For both Yang and Palma, it was a valuable opportunity to get minutes on the pitch and showcase their potential. However, Keevins was blunt in his assessment of their performances, stating they are “nowhere near” the level expected at Celtic.
Speaking on Clyde1 Superscoreboard, Keevins expressed concern over Yang’s lack of impact, especially in comparison to established players like Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn. “He [Yang] isn’t up to playing for Celtic, I am sorry,” Keevins remarked. “And neither is Palma. When you see what players like Kuhn and Maeda bring to the table, Yang and Palma aren’t at that level. Nowhere near it.”
Marvin Bartley Defends Yang
Not everyone agreed with Keevins’ harsh criticism. Former player and fellow pundit Marvin Bartley offered a more measured take, particularly defending Yang’s potential. Bartley acknowledged that Yang has had limited time to settle into the Celtic squad, and he emphasized the importance of patience with younger players, especially wingers, who often rely on confidence to perform well.
“I saw a few encouraging signs,” Bartley noted. “I know he [Yang] hasn’t played much football, but he showed some tidy feet at times. There’s something there, I really believe that. Wingers especially need confidence, and it’s tough to step in when you haven’t been playing. I don’t think he did too badly.” Bartley’s comments highlight the challenges that new players often face, and he appears more willing to give Yang time to adapt.
A Mixed Performance: Stats and Observations
Despite the criticism, both Yang and Palma showed glimpses of potential, even if they didn’t dominate the match. The pair played approximately an hour before being substituted, with Maeda coming on just before Celtic’s opening goal. While they may not have left a significant impact, the match offered them valuable game time and an opportunity to adjust to Celtic’s system.
Analyzing their stats for the Dundee game, it’s clear that Palma had a slightly better outing than Yang. According to WhoScored ratings, Yang earned a 6.41, while Palma scored a respectable 7.22. Here’s a breakdown of their individual contributions:
- Yang: 1 shot, 2 key passes, 92.1% pass accuracy, 3 crosses, 45 touches
- Palma: 4 shots, 4 key passes, 1 successful dribble, 88.7% pass accuracy, 6 accurate long balls, 67 touches
These numbers suggest that while neither player dominated, Palma contributed more significantly in attack. His four shots and four key passes indicate a greater involvement in Celtic’s forward play, even if the end product was lacking. Meanwhile, Yang’s impressive pass accuracy shows that he played a controlled game but struggled to make a more substantial impact.
Celtic’s Depth and Competition for Starting Roles
Keevins’ criticism may have been harsh, but it underscores the high expectations at Celtic, especially for players trying to break into a side competing on multiple fronts. With established talents like Maeda, Kuhn, and others setting a high standard, any new player entering the lineup faces stiff competition. Rodgers’ decision to rotate is a testament to Celtic’s squad depth, yet it also highlights the need for players like Yang and Palma to prove they can perform at this level.
With the League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen just around the corner, the importance of having a reliable squad rotation system cannot be overstated. Rodgers will need to balance player fitness with maintaining a high level of performance across competitions. As such, players who can seamlessly step into starting roles without compromising quality are invaluable.
Rodgers’ Approach and Upcoming Challenges
Despite Keevins’ doubts, Rodgers appears committed to nurturing Celtic’s new recruits, allowing them time to adapt to the pace and demands of Scottish football. Celtic’s performance against Dundee, although not flawless, was another step forward as they aim to secure the league title and progress in cup competitions. Rodgers’ tactical flexibility has been key in managing the squad’s workload, ensuring Celtic can compete effectively on all fronts.
Looking ahead, the clash with Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final will be a major test for Celtic. With McGregor expected to return and Maeda likely starting, Rodgers will have a more experienced lineup at his disposal. However, the game will also provide an opportunity to see if players like Yang and Palma can raise their game when called upon in crucial fixtures.
Final Thoughts
Keevins’ criticism of Yang and Palma reflects the demanding environment at a club like Celtic, where high standards are expected from every player. While Keevins may view them as falling short, it’s essential to remember the challenges faced by young players adjusting to a new league and system. Bartley’s more supportive stance offers a reminder that players often need time and consistent minutes to truly find their footing.
For Rodgers, managing these expectations and giving players like Yang and Palma the room to grow will be crucial as the season progresses. The League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen represents a significant opportunity for Celtic to secure a spot in the final, and performances in such high-stakes games will likely influence Rodgers’ decisions on player roles.
As Celtic continues its campaign, the development of its younger players remains essential. While Keevins may not be convinced, Rodgers’ track record of player development suggests that Yang and Palma could yet prove their worth as they adapt to the Celtic way.
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