Alex Valle continues to grow into his role at Celtic and made a notable impression in the Bhoys’ 0-0 Champions League draw against Atalanta on Wednesday evening.
The Barcelona loanee played the entire 90 minutes after Brendan Rodgers confirmed Greg Taylor’s injury would rule him out of participating against the Serie A outfit.
With pressure to deliver on his shoulders, Alex Valle turned in a mature Champions League performance against Atalanta, standing tall defensively and offering a threat up and down the flank.
Despite facing the likes of Raoul Bellanova and Nicolo Zaniolo off the bench, the Celtic defender didn’t appear to be too overawed and even came close to scoring himself, forcing a save from Marco Carnesecchi.
Intriguingly, the Bhoys have no option to buy Valle at the end of his loan deal. However, with every passing week, the thought that he could only be a temporary measure at left-back is something supporters would like to see come under further consideration.
Either way, Valle took to Instagram after the match to share his delight as he ticked off a landmark career milestone.
Alex Valle’s brilliant Instagram message after Celtic claim point
Sharing his delight on the social media platform, Valle posted a selection of snaps from the occasion after helping Celtic to claim a valuable point on the road.
Accompanying the post, Valle’s caption read: “My first Champions League start… a dream come true! And what a way to get a difficult point away. Thanks to the fans as always, you’re incredible!”
Considering the fact it was his first taste of Champions League action, the 20-year-old didn’t let the occasion weigh him down and showed why Brendan Rodgers was all too happy to bring him to Celtic Park before the summer deadline passed.
Now, the mission will be nailing down the first-choice left-back slot once Taylor is back fully fit for the Scottish Premiership champions.
Celtic have strength and variation at left-back
On the face of it, Valle and Taylor are two fairly opposite full-backs to have as options to pick from, which can only bode well depending on the fixture.
The former appears in the more traditional mould, specialising in providing an athletic presence up and down alongside enjoying his defensive work. Meanwhile, Taylor’s inverted nature adds an extra midfield body in possession, helping to throw teams off-guard.
Whoever manages to claim the slot for themselves this season, Rodgers knows he can rely on both to step up to the mark for Celtic.
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