With the mid-season World Cup break now upon us, we can reflect on a start to the campaign that has been a whirlwind across the continent.
On the domestic front, it’s very much been a period of dominance. Just one defeat from 15 has left the Bhoys nine points clear of second-placed Rangers, having already thrashed them 4-0 in the first derby of the season. In Europe, it was obviously less successful, but hope remains that in time Ange Postecoglou can make progress on this front too.
We’ve decided to take a look at Celtic’s best performers of the season so far, which will be updated in each international break going forward. This ranking is a 67 Hail Hail collective aggregate of lists supplied by myself, Hamish Carton, Lewis Laird and Dave Flanigan, with every vote holding equal weight.
Celtic Power Rankings
1. Greg Taylor
Who would have predicted this time last year that at this stage of the 2022/23 season Taylor would be considered Celtic’s best performer, out of all the exciting talents Postecoglou has at his disposal?
His turnaround has been remarkable but his place here is fully earned. Taylor’s number one slot was unanimous amongst all four of our panel after becoming so integral to the Celtic tactical system and backing that synergy up with exceptional performances, attacking contributions and undoubted leadership.
Right now, he’s the front-runner for player of the year awards.
2. Reo Hatate
After a bit of burnout in the closing stages of last season, the Japanese midfielder has really started to kick on this term and show what he’s really made of.
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His exceptional technical ability has always been obvious but there’s a new tenacity and energy to his performances that is manifesting itself in matches as recent as the win over Ross County on Saturday.
Postecoglou has predicted there is more to come from Hatate and that’s an exciting prospect because, as it stands, he’s already one of the most vital players on the team sheet.
3. Jota
Jota may well have been higher on this list had injury not disrupted his season because he was absolutely on fire in the opening weeks, scoring four goals and assisting five times in his first seven Premiership matches.
Starting to garner hype in Portugal, to the extent he is now on the fringes of the national team, the best could still be yet to come from the winger, just like most of the others on this list.
He remains so crucial to the Celtic attack when fully fit, our main creative spark, and could make a sustained push for individual awards after the World Cup.
4. Matt O’Riley
O’Riley, still just 21, has shown real maturity and versatility this season, specifically since the absence of captain Callum McGregor required him to move into a deeper ‘number 6’ role.
With Hatate, he’s really stepped up to the mark in that regard, helping power the Bhoys midfield towards Premiership consistency and drawing specific praise from Postecoglou in media interviews.
His ceiling of potential is very high and with this experience behind him, I’m excited to see what he can offer when McGregor returns from his knee problem in December.
5. Kyogo Furuhashi
It almost feels harsh having Kyogo mid-table on a list like this given his tremendous natural talent and the fact he remains the club’s top scorer on 11 in all competitions.
Yet, Postecoglou himself has admitted that his rotation policy has almost been unfair to the Japanese talent and hasn’t allowed him to shine quite as brightly as an individual while contributing to the collective. Struggles in the Champions League haven’t helped either.
He remains an incredibly important member of the team and with a lighter schedule in the new year could burst into even more vibrant form. Crucially, unlike last season, he hasn’t been blighted by a significant injury.
6. Cameron Carter-Vickers
Carter-Vickers coming in at number six on this list just shows the depth and quality Postecoglou has at his disposal at the moment because the USA international has been a rock for the Bhoys in defence.
When missing for a few matches in September and October, his absence was truly felt. Since McGregor has been out he’s taken up captaincy duties in matches and performed with distinction.
He’s going to be a massive player for Celtic in final few months of the season and everyone is hoping he can show his quality in Qatar at the World Cup.
7. Liel Abada
The Israeli prospect has been in and out of the Celtic team this season, starting as many games as he’s been subbed on for, yet his goalscoring exploits have him second on the top scorers’ list with nine in all competitions.
His place on this ranking was undoubtedly cemented with a superb double that embarrassed Rangers in the derby but he also scored a massive goal away to Ross County, as well as a thrilling hat-trick against Dundee United.
Another so young at just 21, the sky remains the limit for the attacker and he’ll be trying his best to push towards the 20-goal mark before the end of May.
8. Giorgos Giakoumakis
Like Abada and Kyogo, Postecoglou has been ruthless in the rotation of Giakoumakis even when it looked like he could be picking up a head of goalscoring steam in October.
He has eight for the season, which isn’t bad at all given he has only made seven starts, with 14 other appearances coming from the bench.
As an alternative option to Kyogo he has been impressive and able to be relied upon for the most part. His stoppage-time winner away to St Johnstone was a particular delight and everyone is hoping for similarly important goals after the break.
9. Josip Juranovic
The narrative around Josip Juranovic is that he’s having a poor season when the more realistic take should be he’s simply not quite hit the heights of his debut campaign.
He remains one of the go-to’s for Postecoglou and started all of our Champions League group matches, as well as the derby victory over Rangers. On top form, he remains one of our most effective players and was particularly impressive in the opening six games of the season.
Domestic duties have seen rotation with Anthony Ralston, who isn’t performing badly either. You’d expect Juranovic to build a better block of form after the World Cup, where he’s expected to be a starter for 2018 finalists Croatia.
10. Sead Haksabanovic
Haksabanovic was actually tied on points with Joe Hart and Moritz Jenz for this list but given his good form has been more recent than the other two we’ve decided to give him the nod.
The Montenegro international is still in the very early stages of his Celtic career but the signs are looking good after some exciting attacking play on the flank, and centrally, in his first bank of matches.
A double against St Johnstone and a crucial winner against Ross County have only heightened his reputation as we look for a more consistent goal threat from him for the rest of the season.
In other news, As rivals take time off Celtic are hard at work.
