The defensive positive Celtic can take from RB Leipzig defeat

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It may have ended in disappointment for Celtic against RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening. However, there were still positives to take from the game.

Once again, the Bhoys went two-to-two with a top European side, who have established themselves as a regular in the UEFA Champions League.

Most of the focus will go on the attacking intent of Ange Postecoglou’s side. But, the defensive side of the Hoops’ performance throughout also left me impressed.

Although Leipzig came away with a two-goal victory, they certainly had to work for their goal as Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg produced the late sucker punches.

Looking back a week, during Celtic’s travels to Germany in the reverse fixture, again, there were positives to take. But it is fair to say it wasn’t the Hoops’ finest defensive display.

Moritz Jenz and Stephen Welsh started at the centre of the back four, and the attacking quartet of Dominik Szoboszlai, Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner and Andre Silva ran the show with their sharp interchanges of play.

All four players kept their place in Marco Rose’s starting 11 for the trip to Celtic Park and didn’t enjoy as much success going forward as they had done the previous week.

The one change in the back four from Germany saw Cameron Carter-Vickers slot in place of Stephen Welsh, and the American has showcased how important a player he is for Ange Postecoglou’s side as he currently leads the squad out as captain.

Both Jenz and Carter-Vickers put in a solid display at the back, and although they couldn’t stop the Bundesliga side from taking home all three points, I am sure the Celtic boss would have been looking at the positives of that partnership on Tuesday night.

Jenz and Carter-Vickers secured their place as the centre-back pairing for the near future.

Although Stephen Welsh has shown his ability to step into the side and cover alongside either Jenz or Carter-Vickers, last night’s centre-back pairing have now proven why they should be the starting duo for the foreseeable future.

Since the German’s arrival in the summer transfer window, both players have struck up a strong understanding at the back, particularly with their performances in the Champions League.

Once Carl Starfelt makes his return from injury, the question of that starting position will be raised again as the Swedish international battles it out for his place in the side once again.

And, I reckon there is a high likelihood the former Rubin Kazan man slots straight into the side.

However, whilst we await his return, Jenz has shown he is the man to step up and join Joe Hart, CCV, Josip Juranovic and Greg Taylor in the back four.

The one man whose place seems to be guaranteed in the Hoops starting 11 is the current skipper Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Since his return from injury last week, the 24-year-old has proven how crucial a player is going to be again this season.

Hopefully, both Jenz and Carter-Vickers can build on last night’s showing and bring the Hoops back to their defensive under Postecoglou.

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