Sport nationPaul Lambert Names Callum McGregor as Celtic’s Key Player Over Nicolas Kuhn, Who Makes Football ‘Look Easy’
Celtic’s 2024/25 season has been a display of growth and refinement under manager Brendan Rodgers, who has managed to inject new life into a team that was already one of the most dominant forces in Scottish football. While several key players have contributed to the team’s success, one individual stands out in particular this season: Nicolas Kuhn. The German forward has quickly become a fan favorite, consistently delivering key performances on the pitch that have led to widespread praise. However, in a recent interview, Celtic legend Paul Lambert argued that while Kuhn has impressed, there is another player who is more critical to Celtic’s success this season: Callum McGregor.
McGregor, Celtic’s captain, has been the heartbeat of the team for years. His performances this season, much like those of previous campaigns, are characterized by consistency, vision, and an almost effortless ability to control the tempo of the game. Lambert, a former Celtic midfielder himself, has long been an admirer of McGregor’s ability to make the game “look easy,” and his comments reflect the critical role the 31-year-old plays in Celtic’s overall system. Even as Kuhn grabs the headlines with his goals and dazzling dribbling, McGregor’s understated brilliance ensures that Celtic continues to function as a well-oiled machine.
The Evolution of Celtic’s Playing Style Under Brendan Rodgers
It’s no secret that Brendan Rodgers has always had a specific vision for how his teams should play football. The style that Rodgers champions is one that encourages possession-based football, quick ball movement, and pressing high up the pitch when out of possession. This philosophy, while effective, has sometimes been met with criticism, especially during times when results were hard to come by. The 2023/24 season, for instance, had its fair share of critics who questioned the fluidity of Celtic’s play. While the team won the domestic double, they did so without the same verve and intensity that had marked their early seasons under Rodgers. At times, they seemed to lack the spark and energy that had defined their best performances in the past.
However, with the start of the 2024/25 season, Rodgers has succeeded in revitalizing Celtic’s style of play, bringing a fresh sense of dynamism and aggression to the side. The early signs are promising, with Celtic now producing more thrilling, fast-paced football that has been captivating both fans and pundits alike. A large part of this shift can be attributed to the performances of Kuhn, who has seamlessly adapted to the team’s playing style after a period of adjustment. But McGregor, in many ways, remains the player who ties everything together.
Callum McGregor: The Mastermind of Celtic’s Midfield
Callum McGregor is one of the most understated talents in Scottish football. Over the years, he has consistently delivered performances that have belied his relatively quiet personality off the field. McGregor is not a player who seeks the spotlight, but it’s clear that his ability to control the midfield and dictate the flow of the game is what makes Celtic such a dangerous team.
For Lambert, McGregor’s most important trait is his composure on the ball. “He makes it look easy,” Lambert said. “He moves the ball quickly, plays one and two-touch football, and always looks to play off the back foot. He’s a terrific little footballer.” These attributes are especially important in the modern game, where pace and precision are paramount. McGregor has the rare ability to slow the game down when necessary, but just as often, he can shift gears and accelerate the tempo when Celtic are on the attack.
Beyond his technical qualities, McGregor also leads by example. As Celtic’s captain, he sets the tone for the rest of the team, encouraging them to play an expansive and attacking brand of football. His leadership on the pitch is invaluable, and he remains the key figure around which Celtic’s tactical strategies revolve. This season, McGregor’s performances have been exceptional, with an impressive average rating of 7.69 in the Premiership according to WhoScored, and a solid 6.81 in the Champions League.
Nicolas Kuhn: A Rising Star at Celtic
While McGregor continues to be the backbone of Celtic’s midfield, Nicolas Kuhn’s emergence as a key player this season has not gone unnoticed. The German forward arrived at Celtic with high expectations, but it took him some time to find his feet in Scottish football. In his first season, Kuhn struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Scottish Premiership, but this year, he has shown that he is more than capable of performing at the highest level.
Kuhn’s performances have been one of the highlights of Celtic’s season so far. His technical ability, vision, and creativity have been crucial in both domestic and European competitions. He has been involved in a number of key moments, scoring goals and providing assists in critical matches. Lambert was quick to praise Kuhn’s ability to make the game look effortless, a hallmark of players who possess exceptional technical skill.
The partnership between Kuhn and McGregor in midfield and attack has been particularly effective, with both players complementing each other’s strengths. While McGregor controls the pace of the game, Kuhn adds flair and creativity, making runs into the box and providing a potent attacking threat. Their understanding on the pitch is clear, and it is no surprise that both players have been instrumental in Celtic’s dominant performances this season.
The Importance of Callum McGregor to Celtic’s Champions League Campaign
Celtic’s success in European competition has been a topic of discussion throughout the 2024/25 season, with the team making a strong showing in the Champions League. While the likes of Kuhn and Kyogo Furuhashi have garnered praise for their attacking play, McGregor’s influence has been crucial in ensuring that Celtic remain competitive on the European stage.
The Champions League represents a different level of competition, and it is in these high-stakes matches that McGregor’s experience and tactical intelligence shine through. His ability to control the ball in tight spaces, break up opposition attacks, and transition quickly from defense to attack has made him a key player for Celtic in their European endeavors. Despite not registering any goals or assists in the group stage, McGregor’s impact is still felt in every match, as his influence on the pitch is not always reflected in the statistics.
In the matches against top European sides, McGregor’s leadership and composure under pressure have allowed Celtic to play their brand of football, even against opponents with far greater resources. His ability to marshal the midfield and keep the ball moving quickly has been a key factor in Celtic’s ability to compete at the highest level.
The Front Three: Kyogo, Maeda, and Kuhn
While McGregor and Kuhn have been instrumental in Celtic’s midfield and overall play, it is impossible to overlook the attacking trio of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Kuhn, who have been sensational this season. Each player brings something unique to the table, and together, they form one of the most potent attacking units in Scottish football.
Kyogo’s pace and clinical finishing have made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premiership, while Maeda’s relentless work rate and ability to stretch defenses create space for his teammates. Kuhn, with his technical ability and vision, completes the trio, providing key assists and scoring goals himself. This attacking three have been a constant source of goals for Celtic this season, and their chemistry on the pitch is a testament to the hard work and understanding that they have developed over time.
Callum McGregor’s Stats: A Key Player in Celtic’s Success
As of November 2024, Callum McGregor’s statistics for Celtic this season are a testament to his continued excellence. In the Scottish Premiership, McGregor has played in nine matches, scoring five goals and providing one assist. His pass completion rate in the Premiership is an impressive 92.9%, and he averages nearly 1.7 shots per game. His ability to break up opposition attacks is also reflected in his defensive contributions, with McGregor making 0.8 tackles per game and 1.1 interceptions on average.
In the Champions League, McGregor has not been as prolific in terms of goals and assists, but his contribution is still significant. With a pass completion rate of 93.9% and an average of 1.3 tackles per game, McGregor has shown that he can hold his own against some of the best midfielders in Europe.
The Road Ahead: Celtic’s Title Challenge and European Aspirations
As the 2024/25 season progresses, Celtic will continue to rely on the contributions of both Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn, among others, to maintain their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership and to make further strides in the Champions League. While Kuhn’s flair and creativity will undoubtedly be key to Celtic’s attacking play, it is McGregor’s ability to control the midfield and provide the platform for his teammates to shine that remains the most vital part of Celtic’s success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Nicolas Kuhn has rightfully earned his place in the spotlight for his impressive performances this season, it is clear that Callum McGregor is the player who truly makes Celtic tick. His leadership, technical ability, and tactical intelligence ensure that Celtic remains one of the most formidable
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Amina Umar
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