Sport Nation 2Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made securing a new contract for left-back Greg Taylor a top priority. The 26-year-old defender has been a key figure for the Scottish champions since joining from Kilmarnock in 2019, and his current contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Rodgers, who rejoined Celtic for a second stint as manager, has spoken highly of Taylor’s contributions to the team and his importance to the club’s future.
Taylor’s Impact on the Pitch
Taylor has been ever-present in Celtic’s starting lineup this season, playing every minute of the team’s opening five matches. His solid performances on the left flank have been instrumental in the club’s strong start to the campaign. Known for his defensive abilities as well as his contributions going forward, Taylor has quickly established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Scottish Premiership.
Last season, Taylor made 46 appearances for Celtic across all competitions, playing a vital role in the team’s success. His consistency, work ethic, and ability to adapt to Rodgers’ tactical demands have made him a standout player, and the Celtic boss is eager to see him remain at the club.
“He’s a fantastic player for us,” Rodgers said in a recent interview. “How he makes that position work, how we want it to look, he’s first class. He knows we really want him to stay, and hopefully, between his representatives and the club, we can organize that because he is a player that I really rate.”
Rodgers further praised Taylor’s mentality and dedication to the team, stating, “I really like everything about Greg. I love his personality, I love his spirit, I love how he plays the game, of course.”
Celtic’s Contract Situation
With Taylor’s contract expiring at the end of the current season, Celtic are keen to avoid losing one of their key players on a free transfer. Negotiations are reportedly underway between the player’s representatives and the club to secure a new long-term deal. Rodgers has made it clear that extending Taylor’s stay at the club is a “real priority,” given the defender’s importance to the team’s structure and playing style.
Taylor has been integral to Celtic’s defensive stability this season, and his ability to play in a more advanced, midfield-like role when required has added an extra dimension to the team’s tactical flexibility. His technical skills, positioning, and competitiveness in duels make him a difficult player for opponents to bypass. Despite his relatively small stature, Taylor has shown that he can hold his own in aerial battles and physical confrontations, further proving his worth to the squad.
The arrival of Barcelona’s young left-back Alex Valle, who joined Celtic on loan before the close of the transfer window, has yet to impact Taylor’s position in the starting XI. Valle, a highly-rated prospect, has not featured in any games so far, highlighting Taylor’s firm hold on the left-back spot.
Rodgers’ Tactical Evolution
Rodgers has long been known for his tactical innovations, and his use of full-backs has often been a critical part of his strategy. In his current Celtic team, Taylor’s role goes beyond traditional defensive duties. The left-back frequently tucks inside during attacking phases, effectively acting as an auxiliary midfielder. This allows Celtic to dominate possession in central areas and create numerical advantages in key zones of the pitch.
“He plays the game like a midfield player coming from that outside position in, so he really makes it difficult for the opposition,” Rodgers explained. Taylor’s ability to interpret this role, combined with his technical proficiency and tactical intelligence, has made him a crucial cog in the Celtic machine.
Injuries and Squad Depth
While Taylor has been a consistent performer, injuries have already played a part in shaping Celtic’s early-season campaign. The team received a boost with the news that Taylor is fit to play in their upcoming match against Hearts, having withdrawn from the recent Scotland squad due to precautionary reasons. His availability will be key as Celtic aim to continue their strong form.
Rodgers has plenty of options at his disposal, but Taylor’s importance to the squad cannot be overstated. His understanding of the manager’s system and his ability to execute both defensive and offensive duties make him indispensable. Celtic’s defensive record, bolstered by Taylor’s contributions, has been impressive, with the team remaining unbeaten in the league and yet to concede a goal this season.
Celtic’s decision to bring in Alex Valle on loan adds depth to the left-back position, but as Rodgers noted, Taylor remains the first-choice option. Valle, at just 20 years old, is seen as a player for the future and will likely have to bide his time before breaking into the starting lineup.
Looking Ahead
For Celtic, securing Greg Taylor’s future with a new contract is a significant step in maintaining the core of their successful squad. Rodgers’ focus on tying down key players like Taylor reflects his ambition to build a team that can compete both domestically and in European competitions.
Taylor’s performances have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, and it is clear that he has the full backing of his manager. As negotiations continue, there is optimism that a new deal can be agreed upon that will keep Taylor at Celtic Park for the foreseeable future.
With Taylor fit and ready to face Hearts in their next Scottish Premiership fixture, Celtic will be looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the table. As the season progresses, the club will hope to finalize the contract extension that will see Taylor remain a crucial part of their plans.
In the long term, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side will aim to continue their dominance in Scottish football while making strides in European competitions. Players like Greg Taylor, who embody the club’s philosophy and work ethic, will be key to achieving those goals.
Rodgers’ faith in Taylor is evident, and if a new deal is reached, Celtic can count on the left-back’s continued contributions to their ongoing success. His blend of defensive reliability and attacking prowess makes him one of the most valuable players in the squad, and a new contract would be a fitting reward for his consistent performances and loyalty to the club.
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