How Callum McGregor can emulate Celtic captain Brown

By Connor Gordon

January 8, 2019

Celtic’s Callum McGregor wants to copy Scott Brown and remain at the club for many years to come.

The Scotland international wants to emulate his captain to make more than 500 appearances. The 25-year-old has ambitions to become the next Brown and is en route to doing so.

However, there are areas that the attacking midfielder has to make up ground on the veteran.

Home in on one position and make it your own

Youth product McGregor is known for being a slight-built attacking midfielder with bundles of energy.

He excels in the role behind the striker and shows extreme versatility having played deeper and even moonlighted as a left-back on occasion.

Callum McGregor is able to play in a variety of different positions. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, McGregor hasn’t properly held down a position like Brown has.

Scott Brown is Celtic’s central defensive midfielder and has fought to maintain that throughout his career.

McGregor has played in various positions – to a good standard – but to stay in the team for an extended of period of time like Brown has, he will need to find a spot and make it his own.

Scotland international is on 44 games this season for club and country. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Perhaps he can be Brown’s replacement in that deep midfield spot.

Become a warrior and be opposition marksman

The current captain has become a pantomime villain around Scottish grounds. His desire, playing style, determination and ability is begrudgingly revered around the country.

McGregor should be looking to do this himself and become a player opponents fear.

At the moment, he isn’t known for being the strong battler in that Brown mould but that can come.

Current captain Scott Brown is always ready for battle against any opponent. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Opponents’ players and fans love getting one over Brown because over anything they respect what he does for Celtic.

McGregor definitely has the technical ability, like Brown once had, but opponents aren’t cheering because they got one over him – he isn’t in the spotlight yet.

Having played 44 games already for club and country this season, McGregor is displaying a fantastic engine.

He will definitely hit 500 appearances on current form but how will he want to be remembered? Potential captain material, yes, but still has a long way to go.