Celtic’s scintillating start to the league campaign continued with a relentless 6-0 victory at McDiarmid Park over St Johnstone. Here are the Player Ratings from Celtic Shorts…
Kasper Schmeichel: 7
Kasper creates more history keeping a clean sheet in his first six league games. The last time a Hoops goalkeeper achieved this was the 1906/1907 season – 118 years ago. The Danish keeper remained concentrated with a decent save down to his left in the second half from St Johnstone’s only shot on target in the entire game.
Greg Taylor: 7
Only played 45 minutes but produced a pinpoint cross to Kyogo’s head for Celtic’s third. Greg Taylor is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Tuesday’s encounter with Borussia Dortmund.
Auston Trusty: 7
Looked much more comfortable this week playing in a settled side. Physically dominating in the air and impressed with a pacey recovery challenge in the first half. Should the American start against Dortmund it will be another brilliant test for him.
Liam Scales: 7
Steady once again from the Irishman. Breezed through the game with flying colours. Has been a major part of the clean sheet record. The best compliment to Trusty and Scales last night was that they looked like they had partnered each other for several seasons.
Alistair Johnston: 7
Amongst the tremendous attacking play, Johnston displayed another solid performance. Mr Consistent recently and is formidable defensively. Slightly going under the radar but was superb once again.
Callum McGregor: 8
As always, makes the team tick. A textbook Callum McGregor finish with a low-driven shot into the bottom right hand corner. Four goals already in the new campaign which emphasises that the goals have been spread across the pitch in all competitions this season.
Arne Engels: 7
Surprisingly no goal contribution but it looked all too easy for the Belgian. Since arriving his set-pieces have created a number of goals. Whether that be from short corners or direct, they have been effective. Enjoy him while we can. A special player who will be looking forward to heading back to Germany on Tuesday night.
Paulo Bernardo: 8
Brendan gave him his opportunity from the start and Paulo well and truly delivered. A sublime finish from outside the box for the games second. His cross for Maeda’s bullet header was inch perfect. A statement performance from Bernardo. The midfield at Signal Iduna Park must be McGregor-Engels-Bernardo.
Nicolas Kuhn: 8
13 goal involvements so far this season. Another two assists this week. The development in the winger’s game from January until now has been remarkable. A constant threat who is becoming a go to man under Brendan Rodgers.
Daizen Maeda: 9 – Man of the Match
Player of the Match. An outstanding performance from Daizen. He deserved his goal which he took so well. Brendan Rodgers called him the best presser in world football last week and the 40 yard recovery run in the second half sums up the desire and willingness of Maeda. St Johnstone’s worst nightmare for the entirety of the match. At times it is like having an extra player on the pitch.
Kyogo: 8
Has passed up countless opportunities so far this season but not yesterday evening. Opened the scoring with a well-executed finish. Grabbed his brace with a controlled header giving Sinclair in the Saints goal no chance. A much-needed confidence booster ahead of our first Champions League away fixture. Kyogo was also involved with a nice lay-off pass to Bernardo which secured Celtic’s second. Third goal in the league for the Japanese striker where hopefully he will kick on now in the league.
Alex Valle: 7
That 6th goal, wow. Integral in the sublime interchange play. The flick to Idah is an all-timer, a goal that will be rewatched for many a year to come. Surely a goal of the season contender? Similarly to Trusty, Valle looked far more comfortable performing alongside the ‘main XI.’ Encouraging.
Reo Hatate: 6
Drifted in and out the game for the 25 minutes he was on the pitch. Admittedly has not hit the heights this season. Bernardo signing permanently and performing admirably gives the manager a headache heading into the matches to come.
Adam Idah: 7
Feels like every time Idah comes on, he scores. A fantastic trait to have. Was set up beautifully by Valle but still had to finish which he done so with a lot of composure. Idah has the same number of goals as Kyogo this season, and the 23 year-old is possibly chapping on the door to be given a starting spot.
James Forrest: 6
Appearance number 504 for the legend. Jamesy has a terrific individual record at McDairmid Park but struggled to impact the game when he came on.
Luke McCowan: 7
Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after his long-range precise effort was saved onto the post. The chipped ball to Valle for the games sixth reminded supporters of the technical ability McCowan possesses. Energetic when he came on and is definitely a worthy option domestically.
Conor Spence
