With the Celts kicking off their title defence at home to Hamilton Academical this Sunday, there are many queries as to whom will take up positional slots, not only on Flag Day but looking forward this season. Left-back has been one of the principal subjects of interest, when discussing recent events coming out of Parkhead.
Currently speaking, the Hoops have two leading options on the left side of defence: Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo. Since the departure of Kieran Tierney last season, the latter was earmarked to supplement the loss of the now-Arsenal star. Despite this, the Belgian full-back has fallen by the wayside to some extent. Sparingly used by Neil Lennon in the second half of last season, there is concern that he may be on his way out of Celtic Park. Could this pave the way for Greg Taylor to take ownership of the jersey going into the 2020/21 season?
Acquired from Ayrshire side Kilmarnock last summer, the Scotland international had to earn his chance at full-back. However, in the Bhoys last eight league games before the league season came to a halt due to COVID-19; Taylor featured in every single fixture. Deemed to have made a steady if not spectacular impact in Glasgow so far, the 22-year-old will be intent on securing the jersey going into a pivotal season for all involved at the club.
The Greenock-born talent has linked up well; particularly with the mercurial Mohamed Elyounoussi in pre-season. Some sections of the Celtic support have voiced apprehension over his end-product in these games, which means they will have been satisfied to see the left-sider notch an assist in the 2-0 friendly triumph vs Ross County on 26 July forcing Coll Donaldson to turn the fizzing cross into his own net. In the previous campaign, he recorded a respectable five assists in 16 games for his respective club. Coupled with his genuinely good ball progression assisting the development of attacks, there are signs that the Scot could potentially blossom into a dependable choice for the Hoops looking ahead.
Moreover, perhaps defensively is where Greg Taylor excels most with the number 3 as he aided his side to keep 7 clean sheets from 16 appearances. Propensity to dispossess his opponents on the wing with his firm style of tackling, alongside intercepting opposition passes has seen Greg Taylor appear on a regular basis in recent months at Parkhead.
Despite sustaining an injury against Ross County in Sunday’s victory, the left-back looks to be in pole position to start in the opening fixture of the fresh campaign. Doubtlessly, this could represent a sizeable opportunity for the player to really lock down his place in Neil Lennon’s plans in weeks to come. At 22 years of age, he still has time to expand on his current attributes. Here’s hoping Taylor can flourish as Celtic go for a historic tenth league title.
Taylor is a dud mate bolingoli has a more work ethic and more of a threat