For the first time during their seven-year run as champions, Celtic are in danger of relinquishing the title. The 1-0 defeat to Rangers on 29 December ensured that the Old Firm duo would be level atop the Scottish Premiership entering 2019.
Both sides have since bulked up their respective squads in the January transfer window. However, regardless of who is signed, no player will be as vital to Celtic as Callum McGregor.
In that loss to Rangers, McGregor started at left-back due to Kieran Tierney’s fitness concerns. While McGregor was solid enough as a full-back, Celtic’s build-up suffered without him in midfield.
Celtic’s top four passing combinations all involved McGregor (No. 42). It was almost a reflex for the players to pick out the Scotland international whenever they had possession.
No player received more passes for the Bhoys than McGregor, but he couldn’t dictate the tempo of the game because he was easily closed down on the flank.
