The Martin O’Neill era at Celtic, part two, began with a bang following a comprehensive win over Falkirk on Wednesday evening.
There weren’t many surprises with Celtic’s team sheet against the newly-promoted side, with a host of experienced players starting, including Marcelo Saracchi at left-back.
The on-loan Boca Juniors star returned to the XI in Kieran Tierney’s absence, with the Celtic hero left out of the matchday squad altogether.
Saracchi played the entire match as Celtic smashed Falkirk 4-0, and the so-called back-up left-back is getting a lot of love.
Celtic fans react to Marcelo Saracchi’s performance against Falkirk
Before a ball was kicked this season, without hesitation, Tierney was Celtic’s starting left-back.
But the Celtic Park faithful are now starting to change their mind because Saracchi is seriously impressing Hoops fans with his performances.
Many are arguing on social media that Saracchi needs to be the starting fullback, especially with Celtic’s clash against Rangers coming up.
@CscCaldo compared Saracchi with Tierney: ‘Saracchi >>>>KT.’
@CelticVision thinks the same: ‘Finally a performance that isn’t clueless and boring! Saracchi >>> Tierney.’
More flowers for Celtic’s left-back, as @Lewis_CFC_120 added: ‘Nygren should honestly have around 20 goals for us this season, such a frustrating player. Still like the look of Saracchi.’
@EoinFields questioned how Tierney gets back into Celtic’s XI: ‘Saracchi a bright spark first half. Plays like that, (it would) be hard to see Tiearny getting back in. Could move him more central, maybe.’
@hoopy_1888 wants Saracchi signed for good: ‘Saracchi superb. 👏. Hope we sign him on a permanent contract. Far better performance from the team 🍀.’
@inchy_1 noted Tounekti & Saracchi’s partnership: ‘Far better to watch so far. Tounekti & Saracchi are a good combo down the left-hand side. Nygren frustrates the life out of me. 🍀’
Celtic have been told to put the money down, as @celtmuppet added: ‘Pay the money for Saracchi tonight and get him in the team every week. Hom and Touneki look like they’ve played together for years.’
@Rikos67_ noted what Saracchi is willing to do for Martin O’Neill: ‘Saracchi is willing to run through a brick wall for O’Neill.’
Another comparison between Saracchi and Tierney, as @nickmclean17 stated: ‘Saracchi far better than Tierney has been…. Much more energy and forward passing… so it seems other managers can get a tune out of these players…. Strange that, eh @bhoysviews.’
More flowers for Celtic and Saracchi, as @JoshMurphyMedia shared: ‘Might be the best half of football we’ve played this season. A lot more intensity from the players. Saracchi is playing brilliantly.’
Saracchi’s stats for Celtic against Falkirk
Even if Tierney is ready for the League Cup semi-final at the weekend, Saracchi has to start because he has looked like a breath of fresh air since joining.
That was proven once again against Falkirk, as a Johnny Kenny brace, as well as goals from Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti, helped the champions of Scotland get off to the perfect start under O’Neill.
Sofascore rated Saracchi’s performance at a deserved 8.2 out of ten.
- Minutes played: 90
- Tackles won: 4
- Interceptions: 1
- Clearances: 1
- Recoveries: 12
- Ground duels won: 7
- Aerial duels won: 3
- Shots on target: 2
- Key Passes: 2
- Touches: 91
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