Michael Stewart thinks Celtic attacker could fix Brendan Rodgers’ defensive issues v Atalanta

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After a weekend of enthralling action, Celtic will now turn their attention to Champions League matters.

It doesn’t help Brendan Rodgers that they travel to Italy to face Atalanta after Celtic let a two-goal lead slip against Aberdeen on Saturday.

There is already pressure on the manager and the team because of how they were humiliated last time out in Europe.

Celtic conceded seven to Borussia Dortmund and you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s still stinging the supporters.

As a result, leading up to the match, there has been a lot of talk about how Celtic should approach the Atalanta game and if there will be a change of tact from the manager.

But Michael Stewart feels a change of personnel, rather than style, could be the answer for the Celtic manager.

Michael Stewart thinks Adam Idah could fix Celtic’s defensive issues in Champions League

Celtic re-signed Adam Idah in the summer after his successful six-month loan spell from Norwich City in January.

The 23-year-old has earned a few starts, but not in the Champions League and that’s where Stewart thinks things should change.

Kyogo Furuhashi has been leading the line for Celtic, but Stewart feels starting Idah against Atalanta would provide ‘balance’ to the team and that would, as a result, help fix their defensive issues, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.

“For Celtic, it doesn’t have to be this polarised debate about being defensive or being ultra-attacking,” said Stewart.

“The key is the balance. What happened in Dortmund was that they turned the ball over far too often and they were exposed. They have to be a little bit more cute about that, in terms of physicality at the top end of the park with Idah, on occasions, might be the best way to play.

“That doesn’t mean you abandon playing short passes. It’s an alternative and a bit of a different option just to try and stretch the game and give you an out ball if you are under serious pressure. Idah playing up top. There is a reason he is in the squad. There is a reason why Celtic bought him. It’s not a downgrade and we are just going to play a long ball, but having that physicality and that pace to hit on the counter by getting the team further up the park. That’s not abandoning the principles of playing good football. It just gives you a bit of a breather.”

Idah’s stats show he can help Celtic’s defensive structure

It’s obvious to the naked eye that Idah is more of a physical presence than Kyogo, so he can hold up that ball far better, especially away from home.

What’s interesting about Idah is that he blocks 0.77 passes per 90 minutes, as posted by FBref.

Added to that, he makes 0.38 interceptions per 90, which helps turnover play and makes 2.43 ball recoveries per 90.

Idah also draws 0.38 fouls, which allows the team to win those free-kicks and give them that much-needed breather if things are getting difficult.

The Irishman’s progressive carries also stands at 1.53 per 90, once again, useful when you have been pushed back and are under huge pressure.