Celtic have had a remarkably strong start to the season, remaining undefeated in their first eight matches and securing 22 out of 24 possible points. This impressive performance suggests that they are continuing their usual dominance in domestic competitions.
Initially, there were concerns about Brendan Rodgers’ ability to maintain the team’s high standards from his previous tenure, but those fears have been dispelled by Celtic’s near-perfect beginning to the campaign. They currently lead the league standings, seven points ahead of their closest rivals, Rangers, whom they defeated 1-0 in the first Glasgow derby at Ibrox.
However, their European journey has been less smooth, with disappointing results against Feyenoord and Lazio. Nonetheless, they managed to secure their first point in the Group stages with a 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid, showcasing promising performances in all three Champions League matches.
Despite the mixed European results, there have been standout performers for Celtic in the 2023/24 season. Here’s a closer look at some of the top players:
1. Matt O’Riley – The 22-year-old Danish midfielder has been exceptional, displaying maturity beyond his years. He has addressed previous criticisms by significantly improving his goal-scoring contributions, currently sharing the league’s top scorer position with Kyogo Furuhashi. O’Riley’s versatility and attacking prowess make him a vital asset for Celtic, with pundits suggesting his transfer value now exceeds £25 million.
2. Kyogo Furuhashi – Since joining in 2021, the 28-year-old Japanese forward has been a prolific goal-scorer for Celtic. With 61 goals since his debut, including seven in the current season, Kyogo’s dynamic playing style and consistency make him a key figure in Celtic’s attack. His recent performances in European competitions suggest he’s overcoming previous struggles on that stage.
3. Liam Scales – Initially not expected to feature prominently, Scales has impressed with solid defensive displays, contributing to Celtic’s joint-best defensive record in the league. Despite speculation about his future, he has remained committed to the team and earned his first senior international cap for Ireland. Scales’ emergence as a reliable defender has been a pleasant surprise for both fans and manager Brendan Rodgers, especially given the team’s defensive injuries.
Overall, these players’ performances have been instrumental in Celtic’s strong start to the season, both domestically and in Europe.
