Celtic are in a unique situation where their centre-backs are in great form and competing for places ahead of their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig tonight.
Intriguingly, Auston Trusty started in the Bhoys’ 6-0 rout of Aberdeen at the weekend despite Liam Scales’ brilliant displays this term, leaving Brendan Rodgers to explain why he made the decision.
He stated: “I felt that Auston, with those through balls, he is super quick and if you are going to play a high line. The runs and penetration that Aberdeen make, that pace is important. Scales has done nothing wrong.
Now, the manager has another decision to make that could offer a view into the future of the Celtic centre-back realm. Does he stick with Trusty or revert back to Scales? No boss wants to tinker with their backline too much, but could it be a case of a game-by-game approach rather than a fixed pairing?
The Bhoys’ Champions League prospects could depend on the situation, so supporters are bound to be intrigued by Rodgers’ latest comments on the situation.
Brendan Rodgers on the Celtic centre-back situation
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Celtic taking on Leipzig, Rodgers indicated both players are valued immensely by the club as he refused to make a definitive statement on his centre-back conundrum.
He stated: “I think I mentioned before that all the players have value. I know I can put any one of them in. It’ll depend on the game that we want to play and with some of their strengths.
I think all the players know they’re valued, and they know that they’re going to be playing games, even if it’s not the next game.
They’ll maybe get an opportunity in the next one after that. We sit down and we always come up with a plan in terms of what it is we want to do and then the players that fit around that.”
Celtic know they need to be at their best against Leipzig
Despite Leipzig being pointless in their first three Champions League matches, Celtic know they need to be at their best to claim a result at Parkhead.
Ultimately, Marco Rose’s side arrive with a big reputation and several talented players in their ranks such as Benjamin Sesko, Lutsharel Geertruida and Antonio Nusa, who Arne Engels singled out as a danger man when speaking to media yesterday.
The stage is set for a brilliant occasion in Glasgow’s east end. Hopefully, Rodgers’ men can inspire another excellent result on the European scene following the Bhoys’ draw away to Atalanta last time out.
