Why isn’t Ismaila Soro starting for Celtic these days?
The Ivorian dynamo has been a rare commodity for the Bhoys this season. As in, he’s actually impressed and proven his worth in a campaign wrought with difficulties. From starting against Lille in December [BBC], Soro has been on an upward trajectory. Not long ago, he looked like an automatic starter.
So it’s hard to know why John Kennedy isn’t picking him. It’s a mistake that the interim boss should rectify on Sunday, against an energetic Rangers midfield.
Soro’s qualities are obvious. His passing is precise, averaging 90% success [WhoScored]. He’s mobile, combative and brings up the tempo around him. In the last Glasgow Derby, Soro’s impetus helped Celtic to no end, and he really should’ve been on the winning side that day. Ultimately, Nir Bitton’s sending off lead to a change of shape, and that reduced the Ivorian’s pivotal role.
He seems like a John Kennedy kind of player. Technically gifted but also gritty and rough when he needs to be, Soro has been at the driver’s seat for Celtic’s best midfield performances this season. His energy is boundless; Soro thrives when winning the ball back in midfield and driving forward. Given the attacking talents of this Celtic side, his determination and passing accuracy combined really should feature more often.
Scott Brown over Ismaila Soro would be a risky Glasgow Derby call for Celtic interim boss John Kennedy
Frankly, it’s weird that the incredibly likeable Soro has only completed 12 minutes of football under John Kennedy.
Whether the youngster is carrying an injury or struggling for fitness is unclear. Certainly, though, large sections of the support will want him to start ahead of Scott Brown. While Broony discourse has dominated headlines over recent weeks, it’s Soro who’s Celtic’s future. That’s if the club actually want him to be, he certainly has the tools.
Against the dynamic Rangers midfield (believe me when I tell you I hated typing that), the energy and tackling ability of Soro would be an asset. We’ve already spoken about an aggressive press, involving wingers pressuring Gerrard’s full-backs. Keeping our rivals compact is important, and having Soro to relentlessly hound the likes of Arfield, Kamara or whoever is picked will be vital.
Tactically, it makes little sense to pick Brown for a third consecutive start. Unfortunately, the captain hasn’t looked himself in big games this season, and he came on to little effect in the last Derby.
Getting a Derby win would be absolutely huge right now, regardless of the league permeations. Going at Rangers while they’re in possession, and making them uncomfortable on the ball, is an absolute necessity.
Nobody is better-placed to lead that charge in midfield than Ismaila Soro.
John Kennedy, you know what to do.
READ MORE: A club legend rallies the troops ahead of Sunday.
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