On a challenging opening night of the new season, Celtic managed to secure victory over Dundee with a familiar face stepping up – Kieran Tierney. The left-back, who once fetched £25m in a move to Arsenal, has been under the radar for his stellar performances since January but continues to be one of Martin O'Neill's most trusted players. Tierney registered 12 assists last season and scored six goals from defense, making him arguably Celtic’s best player during that period.
Tierney’s performance against Dundee was particularly noteworthy. Despite Kasper Hogh leading the team with 0.88 expected goals (xG), it was Tierney who had the most shots on target – a total of two. He also created more chances than any other Celtic player, contributing four and sending in eight crosses, the highest number from any teammate.
Tierney's cross to Benjamin Nygren for the winning goal was pivotal. In the first half, Dundee pushed hard against the reigning champions, but as opportunities began to arise, Tierney’s accurate delivery opened up the defense, allowing Nygren to head home with a precise cross from six yards out. His impact on this team is not new; only Calvin Miller of Falkirk and Daizen Maeda created more big chances last season.
Defensively, Tierney consistently ranks among the best defenders in the league for his contributions, tackling, clearances, and blocking shots. While there have been discussions about managing his minutes, he played a full 90-minute game only ten times in the league last season. Manager O'Neill praised Tierney as one of the backbone players of Celtic.
With Marcelo Sarrachi returning to Boca Juniors, there are currently no other senior left-backs on Celtic’s books. O'Neill acknowledged the need for cover and is looking into options. However, reports suggest that any offers for Tierney from Osasuna will be rejected by Celtic due to his importance to the team.
Former captain Scott Brown highlighted Tierney's value, stating, 'Kieran's going nowhere, he loves the football club.' Brown praised Tierney’s passion and leadership qualities, emphasizing the quality on both sides of the ball. He also mentioned that Callum McGregor, another key player, is looking fresh after retiring from Scotland.
Tierney's continued presence at Celtic ensures a strong foundation for their title defense, making him an integral part of O'Neill's squad.
