Callum McGregor

He actually done not bad for a change going forward, there was 3/4 times in the game he carried the ball on a run which he used to do a lot a few years ago but never really does now, was wanting to be a bit of a driving force and did it well.

Shows that a 4-2-3-1 could be more effective allowing him to run with it more.

 

Was pretty decent 2nd half I thought

 

Think he’s been gick the past few games tbh. I really don’t know why he’s still being played as a solo 6 though. He’s so much better further forward

 

Having Arnie beside Callum in a double pivot for the rest of the season in a 4-2-3-1 would be ideal, until at least we could get a proper DM in January.

It would take the weight, burden and pressure off Callum in midfield, and then rest him in certain games in between, and ideally Callum could possibly consider retiring at the end of the season with his reputation and status relatively intact.

 

After watchin highlights.of the game the 2 goals for mwell came from our captain losing the ball

 

First goal I thought Scales could have done a bit better.

But he was frightened of kicking the guy on the head, giving a penalty away and getting sent off.

 

McCowan, Scales, CCV could have all done better for their 1st goal.. but its a terrible touch from Ralston that gives away possession initially

 

I like Donovan, he's got a good physique and mobility, but he's still got an awful lot to learn for game intelligence and positioning, that will only come with in game experience. He's still susceptible to that smart ball slipped in just behind him, but so are a lot of full backs, even Juranovic was exposed there, and it depends on who you are up against too, if it is a speed merchant, then you are in big trouble.

We really need AJ back soon.

 

That’s my view too.

I understand it’s hard to outright drop McGregor because of the way Rodgers runs the dressing room, but he can’t keep ignoring the situation on the field. He needs to change the formation to give him help.

 

Out of curiosity I punched into the AI to ask how many matches he's played in the last 5 years...

Over the past five years (2020–2025), Callum McGregor has played a total of 299 matches across club and international competitions:

Celtic (Club Level)
- 2020/21: 49 matches
- 2021/22: 52 matches
- 2022/23: 50 matches
- 2023/24: 52 matches
- 2024/25: 46 matches
Subtotal: 249 matches for Celtic

Scotland (International Level)
- 2020–2024: 50 matches
McGregor retired from international duty in 2024 with a total of 63 caps. Of those, 50 were earned between 2020 and 2024

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That’s a staggering workload—averaging nearly 60 matches per year! If you're curious how that compares to other midfielders or want a breakdown by competition (Champions League, domestic cups, etc.), I can dig deeper.

Think the AI nailed it about that being a staggering number of games personally... That well running dry is no real surprise!

 

He does seem to be on the decline, but to say he's been struggling with the captain's burden for 5 years is wrong. He's been a very good captain for us, and by all accounts a real leader on and off the park.

 

Think the penalty miss has taken effect on him seemed more comfortable after iheanacho scored the pen at weekend

 

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There are some Celtic fans who believe it’s not just the ball that’s been going backwards with Callum McGregor



They reckon the captain’s performances are going back the way too.


But I think the criticism of the midfielder is way off the mark.


It shouldn’t come as a surprise, mind you. I remember Neil Lennon got booed at Celtic Park for passing the ball backwards against Boavista – and that was in a UEFA Cup semi-final.


Unlike Neil, at least McGregor tries to pass the ball forward sometimes!

Yet he’s copped flak this season and I think it’s grossly unfair



As far as I am concerned, McGregor is struggling a wee bit because of what’s going on around him. He’s simply on a different level to any other player in the current Celtic team.

It’s always the same when players get to a certain age. If you misplace a pass in your 20s, it’s just a poor ball.


Do it in your 30s and you are over the hill.

I don’t think McGregor will ever lose that ability in terms of his awareness and that first quick pass.

It’s just I think there are players in the team currently who are hiding, and that kills the flow.


I look at the likes of Reo Hatate. He’s been a shadow of the player we’ve seen at Celtic in recent years.

Everyone goes through peaks and troughs and Hatate has always been one who could throw in the occasional poor game. But right now he just looks miles off it.

We’re not seeing the runs into the box down the left channel, the moments of magic have been few and far between.




On the other side, Benjamin Nygren had made a decent start at Celtic in terms of goals and assists. He looks a solid signing, especially for the money he cost. But he is still a little slow on the ball for me.

He doesn’t have the speed of thought McGregor possesses. I don’t want to go down the road of making comparisons with Matt O’Riley, mainly because there is no comparison right now.

We all know the problems Celtic have had on the flanks and that’s not helped either. And then there is the elephant in the room – McGregor, and this team, are missing Greg Taylor.




He was a huge help when stepping into the midfield and it’s not quite been the same with Kieran Tierney playing in a different role.

You also have to take into account the opposition. They know if they snuff out McGregor then Celtic are average.

The truth is they’re average with him in the team at this moment in time because they’re finding a way of not giving him that freedom. And there are not enough people around him to pick up the slack.


That’s nothing to do with McGregor’s age.

In years to come, he will slip out of the team because physically he won’t be at the level which he once was, as that is what happens. But for me he’s virtually irreplaceable.


He is absolutely not the problem. It’s basically everybody else around him who is the problem. The good thing is there is room for improvement across the board.

 

Players have to take individual responsibility for their performances. McGregor has been extremely poor this season so criticism isn't "way off the mark".

A captain is supposed to lead ffs

 

Performances often reflect leadership and we have none.

A player who shirks all responsibility and hides from the game instead.

He’s done. And tbh, not a stretch to call his performances a disgrace.

 

Spot on

A great captain when things are going well. When we’re up against it, he goes missing.

 

New manager has to bin him the moment he arrives

 

Still waiting for him to make us all look stupid.

 

Absolutely embarrassing.

 

He's the first player I'd drop now because he is quite obviously the player whose character is lacking the most. Once again it was another game of CCV or Scales hovering on the ball looking lost as their captain hung them out to dry on the ball.

This is on the manager.