James McFadden hails Callum McGregor for bossing Rangers & Todd Cantwell during Celtic win

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Callum McGregor is Celtic captain for a reason and he proved it during the 2-1 Glasgow derby win over Rangers.

From the get-go, Callum McGregor made it clear that he was the one who was going to run the show in the middle of the park and dictate the tempo of the match.

It was a performance of high, high quality and further proof that he is one of Celtic’s best-ever midfielders because he delivers when it matters most.

James McFadden certainly loved his performance and how he bossed around Rangers playmaker, Todd Cantwell, as he told Sky Sports Football (30/12/23 at 2:50 pm).

Whether the Celtic captain was trying to win the ball back or progress it forward, everything was done with aggression, high intent and just pure quality.

The Rangers midfield, and the flattering-to-deceive Todd Cantwell, just couldn’t cope with him as he called the shots.

All of that allowed the likes of goalscorer Paulo Bernardo, Matt O’Riley, the wide players and the inverted fullbacks to do their job going forward.

That was touched upon by James McFadden and how the dirty side of Callum McGregor’s game isn’t appreciated.

“I think it was crucial (on McGregor doing the dirty side of the game),” said McFadden. “We know how good of a footballer he is. We know he will take the ball in any circumstance. His touch is always immaculate and his decision-making is brilliant.

“But his energy. His aggression to go and win the ball back. His anticipation. These are things, when you get that right and you are controlling the game, then you are having a standout performance.

“I just think the way Callum McGregor speaks, he takes that leadership role and he relishes it. He really enjoys being the captain. He always leads by example. None more so than against Rangers. You could see very early how aggressive he was to try and win the ball back.

“Cantwell was anonymous in the game. His job was probably to stop Callum McGregor. He got nowhere near him. When Cantwell got on the ball, then Callum McGregor stopped him playing. He is stopping a main threat in the Rangers team, whilst also having a huge influence on his team as well. I thought he was absolutely outstanding.”

Callum McGregor lays down a marker

You could argue the last time McGregor put in an equally impressive performance, the team were picking up three points at Ibrox.

Whilst the incredible Kyogo Furuhashi might prove to be the difference maker this season because of his goals.

Don’t sleep on someone like McGregor because his influence on this team is just priceless.

And if Brendan Rodgers is to guide the Bhoys to yet another title, then McGregor needs to stay fit because no-one else in the team can probably do the job he does.