Celtic’s broken style of play highlights the impact of Greg Taylor’s exit after fan criticism

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Greg Taylor’s time at Celtic was always marked by a split in the fanbase, a constant debate that undoubtedly played a part in his departure on a free transfer last summer.

The constant criticism grew so loud at one point that then-manager Brendan Rodgers had to publicly step up and defend the-now PAOK star, especially when rumours of Kieran Tierney’s grand return began to gather pace.

Tierney, of course, has since arrived and been phenomenal. Perhaps a prime candidate for Celtic’s Player of the Year.

Yet, Celtic’s returning hero offers a completely different, old-school profile to that of Taylor.

Tierney thrives on bombing down the flank, putting in early crosses, whereas Taylor excelled at tucking inside and taking lots of touches.

That is proven by the fact that, on average, Taylor had 91 touches and made 63.5 passes per game, more than Tierney’s 75.6 and 41.8, respectively.

Yes, the latter is as good, if not better, in the final third, but there is more involvement from the departed star in the build-up, and that’s where the champions of Scotland are completely and utterly broken.

By stepping into the middle of the pitch, Taylor acted as a vital pressure valve for the main dictator, Callum McGregor, helping the captain control the rhythm of the match.

Without his trusted lieutenant alongside him in the engine room, McGregor’s own influence on games has visibly waned this season, alongside Celtic’s overall play, and you wonder how much Taylor’s absence has played a part in that.

• READ MORE: Charlie Mulgrew names the three managers Celtic should look at to replace Martin O’Neill

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Celtic didn’t appreciate Greg Taylor enough

While the revolving door of Celtic managers, transitioning from Rodgers to Wilfried Nancy and Martin O’Neill on two occasions, has obviously disrupted the squad’s momentum, a severe lack of midfield control has been the glaring constant throughout.

Had Taylor remained in Glasgow, his tactical intelligence could easily have provided the extra ten per cent of stability the Hoops so desperately crave, even amongst the chaos of abject recruitment.

While Taylor’s presence wouldn’t miraculously turn this disjointed and declining Celtic side into unstoppable world-beaters, it might just have been enough to see the team sitting top of the Premiership right now.

Sometimes, a player’s true value is only fully understood once they are gone, and perhaps everyone is learning that now with Taylor no longer in the building.