It’s gone under-the-radar, but Celtic left-back Greg Taylor was picked to represent Scotland at Euro 2020.
While David Turnbull’s inclusion and Leigh Griffiths missing out has made headlines – and quite rightly – it’s a shame that Taylor isn’t getting due credit.
After all, few Celtic players have shone this season. Taylor, who battled Diego Laxalt for the left-back spot this season, undoubtedly has.
It’s a credit to him that he beat the likes of Josh Doig and Aaron Hickey to the Scotland team. Clearly someone Steve Clarke values, after coaching him at Kilmarnock, Taylor’s been a steady presence at Celtic Park. In an unglamorous role, or certainly, a formerly un-exotic position, the former Killie man can come out of 20-21 relatively unscathed.
Also worth considering: Taylor makes it on the bus alongside Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson, two of the best left-backs in Europe. Not for nothing, either. While his stats don’t leap off the page, they’re worthy of some acclaim. Taylor has averaged 1.5 tackles per 90 in the Premiership, recovering the ball well in advanced areas, and had 5 assists to his name [WhoScored?].
With 1.5 key passes per 90, Taylor has shown real attacking instinct. At 23, he still has plenty to work on, but he’s starting to combine gritty defending with vision and energy. He may not be the next KT, but he’s certainly worthy of keeping his place in the Celtic squad next season.
And for inclusion in Scotland’s first major tournament since 1998.
Scotland man Greg Taylor has endured scorn, but has come out of Celtic’s season looking decent
Again, it’s not for no reason that Clarke has took a shine to Taylor. Only capped 4 times by Scotland [Transfermarkt], he’s also been ignored as a potentially risky selection, through his lack of international experience. There’ll be critics who suggest that he’s only there because he plays for Celtic, but there are a couple of things wrong with that argument.
For one thing, it’s not like the Bhoys have been outstanding this season. Secondly, if Nathan Patterson can get into Steve Clarke’s squad, then Greg Taylor certainly can.
I’ve argued Taylor’s case before. And at the risk of sounding like a know-it-all, it was bizarre that John Kennedy was picking Diego Laxalt ahead of the Scotsman. While the Uruguayan started well but faltered, Taylor was at least reasonably consistent the whole way through. A couple of injuries notwithstanding, he was unfortunate not to play more.
The problem was formations. Neil Lennon was convinced a 3-5-2 was the way to go, and a lung-busting wing-back like Laxalt seemed perfect. However, the tactics were inconsistent. By the time Celtic returned to a back 4, it was obvious who the best out-and-out left-back was.
Whether Taylor has a fruitful long-term future at Celtic is anyone’s guess. The club seem keen on Aaron Hickey [Sun] and/or Josh Doig [Sky Sports]. The potential emergence of Adam Montgomery, who impressed on his debut, makes the situation even more interesting.
That said, Taylor’s international nod, amongst elite company, surely confirms one thing: he’s reliable. And after a season of incredible drama and shock, reliability is the key thing we need as we look to retain what’s ours in 21-22.
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