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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic players rated in Champions League draw against Club Brugge

Kasper Schmeichel 6

Busy with the ball at his fee in the early stages and looked comfortable as he knocked it around but was left scrambling as Carter-Vickers passback rolled into the net. Had left his line to offer a pass to Kuhn but, unaware, Carter-Vickers knocked into empty net. The defender will have to take most of the blame but Schmeichel not blameless amongst the Celtic support. Relieved as Skov Olsen fired over and then Ferran Jutgla's effort was chopped off.

Alistair Johnston 7

Another decent showing for the full-back fresh off signing an extended contract with the club. A Champions League calibre right-back and proved it with his work going in both directions at Celtic Park. Could easily have been spooked by own goal on his side but refused to go against ethos as he showed for the ball and tried to make things happen. Linked well with Kuhn.

Cameron Carter-Vickers 5

An absolute disaster to gift Brugge the lead with a passback into the net after just 14 minutes. Even more frustrating for the centre-back will have been his promising start to the match alongside partner Trusty. Was more than a match for Brugge frontline but was undone by a lapse of concentration with an inexcusable passback own goal. A night to forget.

Auston Trusty 7

Showed why Celtic were willing to shell out a decent transfer fee for him in the summer with a composed and commanding performance in the rearguard. Hardly looked troubled as he coped well with the Brugge forwards and didn't hesitate with the ball at his feet. Intelligent in the Celtic shape and did the simple things well when there was little time for anything different.

Greg Taylor 5

Did not look at all comfortable in the one-on-one duel against talented winger Andreas Skov Olsen. He was reluctant to dive in and risk being beaten but allowed the Dane too much room where he threatened to punish. To his credit, Taylor was one of few committed to playing his usual role and stepping into midfield but it wasn't his best night as he was hauled off on the hour.

Callum McGregor 7

Typical performance from the Celtic captain who was willing to do the lesser noticed or glamorous work in midfield. More than up for the battle in the centre as he kept his cool when hosts were up against it for lengthy spells.


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Arne Engels 5

A bit off the pace in early exchanges with wasted passing before blazing over from a Maeda cross. Didn't have much of an impact at all in the midfield and was all too often bypassed by Brugge. Unable to influence proceedings beyond safe passing. Was perhaps a surprise to see him start over Bernardo, and it might not be the case at the weekend after a disappointing display.

Reo Hatate 6

Another who was not quite at it in the first half as Celtic struggled to take any real control of proceedings. Ended up doing lots of running rather than impacting the match with the ball at his feet. Unlucky to see a fizzing drive just flash wide of the right post in the second half - an effort which lifted the crowd. A far better output in the second half.

Nico Kuhn 7

Suffered somewhat with Celtic limited in forward areas for spells. Desperate to create whenever he got the ball and had some joy with some incisive running. Final ball wasn't quite there but no lack of effort from the winger.

Daizen Maeda 8

First real injection of pace and creativity after 14 minutes to pick out Arne Engels having spent the opening period tirelessly tracking back. Always looked the threat for Celtic and proved that with an sublime finish to level on the hour. Brilliant skill followed by a terrific curling finish. The best Celtic player on the night.

Kyogo Furuhashi 6

Didn't have much sight of goal for long spells. Marshalled well by Brugge defence with effort into side-netting - adjudged to be offside - one of few real shooting opportunities.

Alex Valle (for Taylor, 59) 6

On for a minute before playing in Maeda for his leveller, looked forward in a position where Taylor may have turned back, the winger did the rest. 

Paulo Bernardo (for Engels, 59) 5

Huge cheers went up on his introduction after major calls for the midfielder to start over Engels. Slotted into an advanced role in midfield with serious attacking impetus.

Adam Idah (for Kyogo, 76) 3

Straight into the physical battle and winning a foul with Brandon Mechele booked. A different proposition for the visitors to deal with but had no real sight of goal.

James Forrest (for Maeda, 76) 2

A surprise introduction when Maeda looked the danger man. Limited involvement.

Yang (for Kuhn, 88) N/A

Barely touched the ball.

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