Celtic’s squad underwent some big changes this summer.
After Brendan Rodgers guided the team to their best Champions League campaign in 12 years last season, there was hope that the squad could go up to another new level.
The signing of Kieran Tierney was a big part of that. Brendan Rodgers made it clear that he wanted Greg Taylor to compete with him, but was unable to convince the 27-year-old to remain.
In reality, Tierney’s second spell has largely been a battle for fitness so far. With the Scotland star only able to complete 90 minutes once, the Hoops have relied on Marcelo Saracchi to share the load.
And for one former Celtic forward, Tierney’s spell so far has been revealing about Taylor’s six-year spell in Glasgow.
Andy Walker on Brendan Rodgers’ left-back situation at Celtic
Tierney and Taylor are different types of left-back, and the transition from one to another has been a tactical one as much as an individual one.
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Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Andy Walker was asked about the left-back options at the club, and Tierney’s form in particular.
Walker said: “I’ve heard good things about Saracchi, and the problems that Kieran Tierney has in terms of injuries and being in and out of the team, building up his minutes to 60, 70, 80 minutes.
“I think it just shows important Greg Taylor was, how reliable Greg Taylor was. I know he’s gone now, and that’s okay. I’m sure he’s happy with his new life.
“But he was a really consistent performer for a long time for Celtic. And I think they miss him.”
Taylor has been in and out of the team for PAOK so far, playing alongside ex-Hoops favourite Giorgos Giakoumakis in Greece.
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A combination of Tierney’s physical struggles and Saracchi’s impressive contributions have created more competition in the left-back area than expected.
Saracchi brings experience at clubs such as River Plate, Galatasaray and RB Leipzig. He did not come to Glasgow to be back-up.
Saracchi’s assist for Daizen Maeda’s winner against Kilmarnock showed the contribution he can make in the final third. He also impressed against Hibernian.
But Tierney’s pedigree and Celtic stature cannot be denied. It’s certainly an interesting problem for Rodgers to have.