Liam Scales’ place in the Celtic team has been a topic of much debate, with the latest performances only amplifying calls for a reassessment of his starting role.
Initially on the brink of an exit, unforeseen circumstances, primarily injuries within the squad, necessitated his retention by Brendan Rodgers. Scales has been thrust into the spotlight, featuring in pivotal matches, including the Champions League group stages and the derbies against Rangers. Despite moments of competence and solid tackling, the consensus is growing that Scales may not meet the high standards required at Celtic.
The recent fixture against Motherwell highlighted this disparity in quality, especially when juxtaposed with the returning Cameron Carter-Vickers, whose impact upon substitution was immediately palpable. The decision to replace Maik Nawrocki, who had a commendable performance, instead of Scales raised eyebrows, potentially hinting at fitness considerations rather than form or tactical strategy.
Scales struggled notably during the match, particularly against Motherwell’s Theo Bair, who managed to outmanoeuvre him on several occasions. An early scare, where Bair skinned Scales to score, was fortunately annulled due to an offside call, sparing Celtic and Scales from early red cheeks. However, this incident symbolised the broader issues surrounding Scales’ defensive reliability and his vulnerability as a target for opposition attacks.
Compounding the defensive woes is Scales’ contribution, or lack thereof, in possession. His attempts to progress play often culminate in lost possession, putting Celtic under unnecessary pressure. His forward forays, while ambitious, frequently result in positional gaps exploited by opponents, despite Tomoki Iwata’s efforts to mitigate these lapses.
As Celtic prepares for their upcoming encounter with Dundee, the clamour for a defensive reconfiguration is palpable. The prospect of starting Nawrocki alongside Carter-Vickers is a proposition that many fans would welcome, offering a blend of reliability and robustness absent when Scales is on the pitch. With the title race intensifying, Celtic’s defensive solidity becomes increasingly paramount, prompting a reevaluation of Scales’ role within the squad and the necessity for strategic adjustments by Rodgers to ensure Celtic’s aspirations remain firmly on track.
