Celtic player ratings as two Champions League heroes make a mockery of their transfer fees vs RB Leipzig

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Celtic battled to another Champions League win after beating RB Leipzig at Parkhead tonight.

Brendan Rodgers named his Celtic team to do the job and it certainly raised some eyebrows as the Hoops boss dropped Alex Valle to the bench in favour of birthday boy, Greg Taylor.

Celtic started the game with their tails up and almost opened the scoring in the first minute as Daizen Maeda broke through the RB Leipzig backline but the shot from Reo Hatate was blocked by the German defence.

Celtic went behind after Christoph Baumgartner latched on to a poor clearance from Cameron Carter-Vickers to put Leipzig 1-0 up against the run of play.

After weathering a 15-minute storm, Celtic took control of the game as Nicolas Kuhn equalised in the 35th minute with a beautiful curling effort before netting his 2nd on the stroke of half time to put Celtic 2-1 up before the break.

Brendan Rodgers’ side controlled much of the second half and the Bundesliga club struggled to find the all-important equaliser when Hatate added Celtic’s third to wrap up another three important Champions League points at Celtic Park.

So as the fans have a party in the Champions League, here is how the Celtic players fared in their battering 3-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Kasper Schmeichel – 7

Pulled off a couple of important saves, especially in the second half and his distribution was excellent as he kept the defence calm and composed.

Alistair Johnston – 7

Another battling performance from the Canadian as he the Celtic defender made important tackles and kept Antonio Nusa at bay.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6

The big American was at fault for the Leipzig opener as he lost his man twice at corners. Still finding his way back to full fitness and will get back to that solidity the Celtic fans are used to.

Auston Trusty – 7

Survived an early first-half injury scare and was solid, especially in the second forty-five. Was unlucky not to add Celtic’s third midway through the second half.

Greg Taylor – 7

Celtic fans questioned the inclusion of Taylor ahead of the in-form Alex Valle but the Scotland defender was full of energy and supported the Hoops attack as well as being solid at the back. The birthday boy was replaced on the 67th minute by Valle.

Reo Hatate – 9

Orchestrated the midfield and made some exquisite passes. Was a goal threat with four shots and added Celtic’s all-important third to seal the win. Almost set up Kyogo for a fourth. Celtic paid around £1m for the Japan international who just keeps getting better and better under Rodgers

Callum McGregor – 8

Solid again and pulled the strings in the heart of the Celtic midfield. Looked up for the battle from the first minute and ran the midfield alongside Hatate.

Arne Engels – 7

Was great pressing the Leipzig midfield. Another good performance supporting the Celtic attack and tracking back to win the ball when out of possession. Was replaced by Paulo Bernardo on the 67th minute.

Daizen Maeda – 8

A constant threat to the Leipzig right-back and almost set up Celtic’s opener on the first minute. Worked really hard and pressed the life out of the German defence to help open up space for Nicolas Kuhn’s second goal. So unfortunate not to add Celtic’s fourth after having his effort ruled offside.

Nicolas Kuhn – 9

A £3m buy from Rapid Vienna, Kuhn was on fire with his double at Celtic Park. Was a thorn in the RB Leipzig defence and even doubling up on the Hoops winger wasn’t enough to contain his threat. Brendan Rodgers stole Kuhn from the Austrian league last January.

Kyogo Furuhashi – 7

Was quite in the first half but was still full of running as he pressed the Leipzig defence. Could have had two in the second half and was so important at putting pressure on the Leipzig defence for Kuhn’s second.

Celtic’s substitutions vs RB Leipzig

Alex Valle – 5 (sub)

Was brought on to replace Taylor and was solid enough to see out the game.

Liam Scales – 5 (sub)

Replaced Carter-Vickers on the 74th minute and did well to ensure the three points remained at Celtic Park.

Paulo Bernardo – 5 (sub)

Replaced Engels on the 67th minute and helped shore up the Celtic midfield.

Hyunjun Yang – 5 (sub)

Replaced Nicolas Kuhn and was unlucky not to score as his late effort sailed just over the bar.

Adam Idah – 5 (sub)

Replaced Kyogo late on but didn’t get enough time to make his mark on the match.