Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been quoted by Football Scotland as saying he was taking advice from Celtic left-back Greg Taylor on how to play as an inverted full-back – with Taylor shining in the Postecoglou Angel system.
Tierney was impressed with Taylor’s form, saying the 24-year-old has been one of Celtic’s best performers this season. Indeed, he’s gone even further and is trying to follow the Scotland international’s advice on eight occasions.
Postecoglou likes his Celtic team to play with freedom and fluidity in attack. He sees midfielders chasing the ball around the park, forwards alternate between leading the line and playing outside, and full-backs come through the middle.
Taylor is often seen floating in the middle of the park and becoming a midfielder. Especially when Matt O’Riley or Reo Hatate went ahead. Tierney says he’s taking advice from the Celtic man, texting him and watching.
Inverted full-back, that’s how we play there. I watch it every week, taking tips. I am very close to him, I talk to him a lot. We watch each other’s games, always, and we text each other. A new role for me and it’s a role he feels comfortable in.
Tierney enjoys advice from Celtic left-back Taylor
He was a revelation. Almost like a new signing on the left of defense this season. In his first two seasons at Celtic, he just eclipsed 50 appearances. Last season, Josip Juranovic was used on the left as Taylor picked up injuries at times.
But this season he has started all nine outings in all competitions. Looks like he spent the summer learning about the new role and how to play it. He seems completely at ease and full of confidence.
Tierney’s memory at Celtic is starting to fade thanks to Taylor’s form – arguably Celtic’s first in-form left-back since Tierney opted to move to Arsenal.
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