Celtic’s midfield failed to function in the 2-0 Europa League loss to Valencia.
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor didn’t look comfortable with the roles they were expected to play. It seemed like a step-up in quality for Ryan Christie.
One player who was missing from the side who could have made a big difference to the game is Olivier Ntcham.
The Hoops midfielder is out of action with a hamstring injury, and hasn’t played since the 1-0 loss to Rangers in December.
He may have had a poor game against Rangers. But he would have been more than a more than useful addition to have to face the La Liga side.
A big miss on the night
Ntcham would have been perfect for the role that Callum McGregor ended up playing on the night.
Taking the ball from Scott Bain with his back to goal and funnelling it forward.
That role didn’t suit McGregor on the night, he has a more attacking instinct. Whereas Ntcham has the ability to be both a destroyer and a creator.
Has been influential in Europe
When you look at how well Ntcham has performed in the past in Europe – the 3-0 win over Anderlecht – you can see that he was badly missed against Valencia.
Even earlier this season he played a key role in the 3-1 win over Rosenborg. That type of player is currently missing in the Hoops squad.
Europe might be all but over, but Brendan Rodgers will be hoping Ntcham will be back soon to help the Hoops on to domestic glory.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
