Sport Nation 2As Celtic prepares for a crucial Champions League match against Atalanta, many are reflecting on the recent performances of the Scottish club, especially after their heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. While the spotlight is often on Celtic’s attacking style under Brendan Rodgers, questions have been raised about the team’s defensive structure. Livingston manager David Martindale has drawn attention to two key players in Celtic’s backline who, in his opinion, have not received the credit they deserve—Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor.
Celtic’s Recent European Struggles
Celtic has had a mixed start to their European campaign this season. After a commanding win over Slovan Bratislava, the team suffered a crushing defeat to Borussia Dortmund, which left the fanbase deflated. Now, as they head to Italy to face Atalanta, Celtic will need to find answers to their defensive frailties while hoping for a stronger performance across the board.
Brendan Rodgers, in his second spell as Celtic manager, has worked hard to improve the team’s overall play. Despite the recent setback in Germany, there is a general consensus that the football Celtic have been producing is exciting and promising. However, the defeat to Dortmund highlighted vulnerabilities in the defense, and many are hoping for a response against Atalanta.
The Importance of Cameron Carter-Vickers
Cameron Carter-Vickers, the American international and a key figure in Celtic’s defense, has been an essential part of Rodgers’ plans. His physical presence, ability to read the game, and calm demeanor on the pitch have made him a standout performer for the club. However, according to Martindale, Carter-Vickers is often underappreciated, despite his consistent performances.
Martindale expressed admiration for the defender, noting how Carter-Vickers has the ability to “stroll” through matches with a calmness that belies the intensity of the game. “You see when Carter-Vickers is playing, it’s a different game,” Martindale told Open Goal. “He strolls through matches. I don’t think he’s appreciated enough for what he brings to Celtic. He’s their best defender, and it shows when he’s not on the pitch.”
Carter-Vickers’ absence has been felt during his injury spells, and his return to fitness could be pivotal for Celtic as they head into their next Champions League fixture. Rodgers and Celtic fans alike are hoping that the defender can play a role in their clash against Atalanta, especially after the defensive collapse in Dortmund.
Greg Taylor’s Underappreciated Role
While Carter-Vickers garners attention for his solid defensive displays, Greg Taylor, Celtic’s left-back, is another player whom Martindale feels has not received enough recognition. Taylor, who joined Celtic in 2019 from Kilmarnock, had the difficult task of replacing fan-favorite Kieran Tierney, who moved to Arsenal that same year. Initially, there was significant pressure on Taylor to live up to the expectations left by Tierney, and it took time for him to truly make his mark.
Despite the initial skepticism surrounding his arrival, Taylor has grown into his role at Celtic, establishing himself as a key player in the squad. He was instrumental in the team’s domestic success under Ange Postecoglou, playing a critical part in the all-action system that led Celtic to a domestic Treble. However, even with his contributions, Martindale believes that Taylor remains underappreciated by some sections of the fanbase and the media.
“I swear to God, Greg Taylor is phenomenal for Celtic on the ball,” Martindale said. “He’s brilliant at it. When he isn’t playing, you can see the difference.” Martindale’s praise for Taylor highlights the left-back’s composure in possession and his ability to contribute to Celtic’s attacking play while also fulfilling his defensive duties.
Celtic’s Defensive Challenges and European Aspirations
Celtic’s defensive unit has faced criticism for their performances on the European stage, particularly after the heavy loss to Borussia Dortmund. However, Martindale’s comments suggest that the individual quality of players like Carter-Vickers and Taylor should not be overlooked. Both players have demonstrated their value to the team, even if their contributions sometimes go under the radar.
For Rodgers, the challenge is to strike a balance between his preferred attacking style and the need for defensive solidity in high-stakes European matches. The return of Carter-Vickers to the squad could be crucial in shoring up the defense as Celtic seeks a better result against Atalanta. Rodgers faces a dilemma, though—Carter-Vickers has dealt with injury issues throughout his time at Celtic, and rushing him back could be a risk. However, given the magnitude of the game, it may be a gamble worth taking.
Celtic fans will be hoping that both Carter-Vickers and Taylor can play pivotal roles in what is expected to be a tough encounter against the Italian side. Atalanta, who have established themselves as a formidable force in European competition in recent years, will provide a stern test for Celtic’s defense. The Scottish champions will need to be at their best to come away with a positive result, and the contributions of players like Taylor and Carter-Vickers will be vital.
The Road Ahead for Celtic
As Celtic prepares to face Atalanta, the pressure is on the team to bounce back from their humiliating defeat in Dortmund. For Brendan Rodgers, the focus will be on tightening up the defense without sacrificing the attacking principles that have defined his tenure. Celtic’s success in Europe will depend on their ability to find the right balance between attack and defense, something that has eluded them in recent years.
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ potential return to the starting lineup offers hope that Celtic can improve defensively, while Greg Taylor’s consistency on the left flank will be equally important in ensuring the team remains competitive. Both players have proven their worth domestically, and now they have the opportunity to demonstrate their quality on the European stage.
Martindale’s praise for Carter-Vickers and Taylor serves as a reminder that Celtic possesses talented players capable of making an impact in Europe, even if they are sometimes overshadowed by more high-profile figures. As the team continues its Champions League campaign, the contributions of these two defenders will be crucial to their chances of success.
Ultimately, the match against Atalanta represents a significant test for Celtic. A positive result could restore confidence and momentum, while another defeat could deepen the sense of frustration following the Dortmund debacle. Regardless of the outcome, Rodgers and his squad will be keen to show that they can compete at the highest level, with Carter-Vickers and Taylor playing key roles in that pursuit.
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