Kieran Tierney’s return to competitive action for Celtic against St Mirren was a long-awaited one, as he played 65 minutes in the first match of the Hoops’ title defence.
Starting the game at left-back after a positive pre-season, Tierney had the most touches of any player on the field in the first half, showing his instant importance to Brendan Rodgers’ set-up and willingness to take responsibility.
Operating alongside Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, the 28-year-old formed an exciting left-sided triangle, taking the place once held by Greg Taylor, who moved to PAOK in Greece this summer.
Taylor’s importance to the side, both in terms of tactics and availability, was clear. The former Kilmarnock defender made 89 appearances across his two years playing under Rodgers, establishing himself as a senior member of a squad which dominated the Scottish game.
However, according to pundit and former Celtic player Chris Sutton, there is more to it than one good left-back simply replacing the other – with one major factor potentially being the cause of Tierney’s lack of minutes at Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney doesn’t play the role as well for Celtic as Greg Taylor – Chris Sutton
Celtic’s lack of competition at left-back has often been a frustration for supporters, but Taylor’s consistency was likely a reason for this.
For Sutton, there are clear differences in strengths between the two Scotland internationals, which could make the transition from one to the other interesting to watch over the coming weeks.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “I suppose it was more the role that he plays. We know he’s a good one-to-one defender, but in that attacking sense, the way that Greg Taylor played that role more inverted. We saw Kieran play more of a conventional role.
“Taylor was brilliant at drifting across and sitting alongside Callum McGregor, making the play. He was a wonderful footballer.
“It’s maybe something why Kieran Tierney didn’t play enough at Arsenal, because he couldn’t play that role as well, but I think it’s one to watch in the weeks to come.
“We saw yesterday, Kieran playing out wide and being given that trust down the left, Adam Idah playing as a central striker and early crosses.”
Rodgers provided an update on Tierney’s fitness after the match, and will be hoping that the Celtic players around him can adapt to the different positions he will take up. For now, time will tell.
Does Brendan Rodgers need a more inverted full-back to compete with Kieran Tierney?
Celtic are seemingly in the market for another left-back this summer, with Cercle Brugge’s Flavio Nazinho among the names linked.
The tactical importance held by Taylor towards the team, coupled with Tierney’s well-known fitness struggles, perhaps means that another will come through the door by the end of the window.
Hayato Inamura has impressed in pre-season, however, despite being signed as a development player at centre-back. Whether the 23-year-old will be kept as a first-team option or loaned out remains to be seen.
Liam Scales has also been used in the position occasionally through the last two seasons, despite also being primarily a centre-half. Scales moved into Tierney’s place when he was substituted in the St Mirren match.
Whilst conversations may persist about the difference between what Tierney and Taylor offer in possession, the upgrade is clearer defensively. Should Tierney remain fit to play most games this season, any tactical trade-offs may be worthwhile.