Celtic supporters are rarely short of opinions when performances dip, but the latest CIES statistical analysis should force a rethink around two players who regularly receive unfair criticism.
Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren were both included in the CIES Scottish Premiership Team of the Season alongside Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney and Hyun-Jun Yang.
That matters because this is not a popularity contest and the CIES Observatory performance data proves just how important both players were to Celtic’s double-winning season.
Do you agree with Celtic’s decision to give Liam Scales a new contract?
Celtic criticism of Liam Scales looks increasingly harsh
The football data specialists published their Scottish Premiership team of the season and five Celtic players made the list:
- Liam Scales
- Kieran Tierney
- Callum McGregor
- Benjamin Nygren
- Hyunjun Yang
The selection was made based on on-field performance from eight categories for outfield players and expected goals vs. goals conceded for goalkeepers; Impect data, match results, and playing time.
Scales has spent much of his Celtic career fighting scepticism despite consistently delivering solid performances.
Some supporters appear determined to focus on what they think he lacks rather than what he actually contributes.
The CIES data tells a different story.
The fact Scales was selected in a statistically generated Premiership XI shows his performances across the campaign have ranked among the best in Scotland.
That recognition does not come from reputation or hype. It comes from measurable output over time.
Scales may never be the flashiest defender Celtic have had, but the numbers continue to support his value.
Celtic may already have clear proof about Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren’s inclusion is equally significant.
There has already been scrutiny around the attacker despite his strong start to life at Celtic.
Yet an independent statistical model already rates him among the league’s best performers.
That should excite Celtic supporters far more than it should concern them.
Models like CIES reward consistency and effectiveness, not social media reaction or reputation.
For both Scales and Nygren, this latest recognition feels like objective proof that sections of the criticism directed their way have been wildly disproportionate.
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