Chris Sutton has heaped praise on Liam Scales, labelling the Irish defender as Celtic’s standout player so far this season.
Despite Celtic’s mixed form across all competitions, Scales has emerged as one of the more reliable figures in the back line, even as others around him have struggled for consistency or fitness.
Sutton singled out the centre-half’s aerial ability and aggression in the box, areas he feels Celtic have lacked in other parts of the squad. While acknowledging some technical flaws, Sutton was firm in his view that Scales has carried the defensive load better than anyone else at the club this term.
The comments come amid a growing appreciation among supporters for Scales, who has featured regularly and risen to the occasion during a campaign that has posed more questions than answers for the squad.
He said: (Sky Sports), “He has been Celtic’s best player this season.
“The last couple of games, they have conceded a few goals.
“But defensively is where Celtic have been at their strongest, and he has been a big part of that. You mention the fullbacks, not quite being right. Whether it’s been Tierney or Ralston.
“But Liam Scales has been outstanding when balls go into the box. Celtic, I think, a fair part of the team lacks that aggression and ability to head the ball. He’s ahead on a stick.
“At times, he gets criticism because he’s slightly careless with his passing, with the way Celtic play, he will have a lot of the ball, and so will Carter-Vickers.”
Sutton’s assessment reflects what many have started to recognise, that Scales has stepped up at a time when others have been inconsistent or unavailable. His strength in the air and his no-nonsense defending have offered some stability at the back.
While not without flaws, particularly in possession, the Irishman has managed to stay in the starting XI on merit, even with competition from the likes of Trusty and Nawrocki in recent years.
Celtic’s defensive shape has come under pressure in recent games, but Sutton believes Scales has stood up well in those moments, doing the dirty work and commanding his area when it matters.
With the season still unfolding, Scales’ challenge now is to maintain that level and help drive the team through a crucial run of fixtures both at home and in Europe.
Keep Reading
