Celtic star David Turnbull is loving life under Ange Postecoglou.
It’s not hard to see why; at a packed Celtic Park last night, Turnbull was at the double, with two well-taken goals against Jablonec. After starring in a difficult year for the Bhoys, Turnbull is now fully ingratiated into the party atmosphere under Ange Postecoglou.
After a productive but relatively quiet start to the season, Turnbull was at the fore last night. Not only was he constantly buzzing around the middle of the park, opening up opportunities, he looked clinical in front of goal.
Last year’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year spoke to Celtic’s in-house media after the Hoops’ 3-0 against Jablonec.
He said [Celtic FC]:
“He wants us to work on playing possession football, attacking football.
“He’s letting us go and express ourselves and it’s great for the team.
“Everybody trusts each other and you just have to be brave on the ball, and that’s what everybody’s doing at the moment.
“For myself, the first few games of the season have been tough but it’s just about sticking in. I knew it would come. That’s my first goals this season and it just a case of continuing that on and getting even more.”
David Turnbull determined to work hard under Ange Postecoglou
Being at Celtic Park last night would’ve confirmed beyond any doubt that Celtic supporters love David Turnbull. So often, his neat touches and decisive passes were warmly applauded by the fans.
Not only that, the reception to his propensity to drive forward, and of course his goals, indicate there’s a real connection between Turnbull and the supporters. Yes, there are plenty of fan favourites in this side, but the former Motherwell midfielder is joining that contingent.
Turnbull was key in a display of utter dominance from Celtic. From first whistle to last, the Bhoys made light work of our Czech opponents, boasting an unreal 64% possession [FotMob]. In his own display, Turnbull was a creative fulcrum, showing off a range of passing and accuracy with his shooting, hitting the target with all three of his attempts.
It’s interesting that Turnbull says there’s a clear tactical mindset, but that Ange Postecoglou is allowing the players to express themselves, too. That’s important; it means that players can adapt in their own time to the tactical expectations of the boss.
The trust between the players – so often lacking at times last season – is back, and for the first time in a long time, we’re watching a Hoops side that enjoys playing with a certain style, with a panache and a swagger that we’ve come to expect over the years.
All in, this is a positive time for Celtic, and Turnbull is going to be a key part of it.
Read more: Green Brigade haven’t forgotten a key message
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