If there’s one Celtic player who’s benefitted most from Ange Postecoglou and his tactical set-up, it’s Anthony Ralston.
Ralston, who was something of a forgotten man last season, emerged from pre-season training with plenty to prove. A new one-year extension was met with derision from scores of fans, who felt the right-back hadn’t done enough to justify staying at the club.
Fast forward a few months, and he’s a regular. Not only that, he’s the top performer in the Scottish Premiership this season, according to WhoScored?.
Unsurprisingly, there have been calls for Ralston to make the Scotland team. However, the right-back is more focused on improving week-by-week with Celtic, playing as an inverted full-back in Postecoglou’s tactical system.
Ahead of a tough meeting with Motherwell at Fir Park, Ralston talked up the style of play that’s emerged under Postecoglou. According to Ralston, he and his teammates are feeling good about their attacking, aggressive style.
Ralston said [Celtic FC]:
“Yeah, I feel we’re all very confident about how the gaffer wants us to play, and the style of play.
“We’ve had a good amount of time at it now, so we’re all there in terms of how he wants us to play. We’re all confident going into each game as well.
“Again, [I’m] looking forward to tomorrow and implementing that again.”
Anthony Ralston sends warning to SPFL opposition with Celtic confidence
Even when results haven’t been good, you could sense that Celtic were onto something with Ange Postecoglou.
Frankly, the change of style in football under the new boss has been radical. It was always going to take time to adapt, but what surprised so many is Anthony Ralston being one of the successful early adopters.
And with a decent amount of training time under the new boss, the Bhoys really ought to be feeling more sure of themselves. Certainly, it seems as if everyone is enjoying themselves. However, inconsistent results and performances have hampered the progress somewhat.
If the Hoops players are feeling assured, though, that should serve as a warning to the rest of the league. We’ve already seen what an on-song Celtic can do to Premiership opposition. Just ask St Mirren, Dundee and Ross County if they remember having the ball against us.
It’s promising talk. But the proof will be in what Ralston and his team can do against Motherwell tomorrow. A second away win on the bounce would only make this side more confident.
Read more: Ange Postecoglou lifts lid on relationship with acting Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson
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