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Celtic: Pundit makes selection claim about Greg Taylor

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Celtic pundit Kevin Graham has recently made a claim about the selection of Greg Taylor in the upcoming Old Firm derby.

Graham was a guest on the latest episode of the ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys. One topic of discussion was the upcoming Old Firm derby and Celtic’s selection for it. Graham addressed Celtic’s left-back issue and he tipped Taylor to start ahead of Diego Laxalt against the Gers at the weekend.

Should Taylor start in the Old Firm?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Taylor had joined Celtic from Kilmarnock in the summer of 2019, while Laxalt arrived on loan from Milan in the summer of 2020. Since the Uruguayan’s arrival, the Milan loanee has been a regular for the Bhoys – playing 15 times in all competitions so far and scoring one goal.

Graham believes that Taylor is a more disciplined left-back than Laxalt and that can be important in the Old Firm at Ibrox.

He said (10:55): “I was surprised to see Laxalt today in the starting line-up, I must admit. I thought after Taylor getting the nod against Hamilton, we were maybe looking at Taylor playing until the mini-break that we’re going to have. Laxalt’s got a lot of energy to play in that role. He’s probably got more energy than Taylor but I think Taylor is more disciplined. Going to Ibrox could be a place for a more disciplined full-back, especially on one side. That’s my thinking and it wouldn’t surprise me whatsoever to see Taylor coming back in.”

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TIF Thoughts on Graham’s comments on Taylor…

According to Whoscored, Laxalt has made more tackles per game than Taylor and he has also made more interceptions per game than the Scotsman. He has also made more clearances than the former Kilmarnock man.

Having said that, Taylor has made more key passes per game than the Uruguayan. So both the players offer different things on the pitch and it all depends on what Neil Lennon wants from his left-back. Since Laxalt impressed in the previous Old Firm, perhaps it would make sense for Lennon to start him.

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European Football Writer. Contributed for FootballItalia, Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, Calciomercato, GFFN and more.