Here’s how the stats experts rated the Celtic players vs Dundee
Celtic defeated Dundee 1-0 in their Premiership opener.
The Hoops spurned big chances in the first half with West Ham United target Arne Engels and debuting record signing Kasper Hogh also went close. It proved a frustrating encounter in part for the defending champions before Benjamin Nygren headed them in front early after half-time. Viljami Sinisalo needed to make a strong save to keep the game level.
Fans have demanded Celtic transfer business and club chiefs have answered with two recruits up top. Hogh has had a record fee splashed on him and Camilo Duran has impressed in pre-season. Exits to go alongside Daizen Maeda’s departure could yet follow with Everton tracking Alistair Johnston and West Ham looking to seal a deal for Engels. With other areas of the squad needing bolstered outside of that, this would give fans an idea of how many recruits are needed, and how quickly ahead of their Champions League play-off with LASK later this month.
Hogh had a couple of close range chances but the arrival from Bodo/Glimt couldn’t convert. Engels’ header was the most glaring though as he found himself free in space to find the bottom corner but couldn’t do so. Dundee has frustrated Celtic and Charlie Reilly perhaps could have done better with a near post effort in their best chance of the first 45. Kieran Tierney magic would soon unlock the defence, however, a pinpoint cross headed home by Nygren.
Dundee soon started to creep back into the game with their opponents unable to kill the game off and goalkeeper Sinisalo needed to pull off an excellent one-handed save to deny Ashley Hay’s header. Hogh missed another big chance and captain Callum McGregor hit the bar as a narrow win was eventually clinched. Here’s how the Celtic players rated vs Dundee as per stats experts WhoScored.
Viljami Sinisalo -7.3/10
Untroubled throughout the match. Not put under any pressure.
Alistair Johnston - 7.2/10
Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker said during broadcast of the game that ‘there is a representative from Everton tonight watching him’ as interest from the Premier League ramps up. Could be one of his last Parkhead outings.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 8.5/10
First competitive outing after long-term injury. Commanding leadership in central defence and combative tackling all upgrading O’Neill’s backline.
Auston Trusty - 7.3/10
Looked more comfortable next to Carter-Vickers. Some great recovery runs when needing to chase down Joe Bevan.
Kieran Tierney - 8.5/10
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.placeholder image
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney. | Getty Images
Great cross for the goal. A threat in attack all night and almost scored himself in the first half. Looks in good shape.
Callum McGregor - 6.9/10
Skipper looked to dictate play and link defence to midfield. Didn’t need to get too involved in a defensive sense. Hit the bar late on.
Arne Engels - 6.6/10
The engine of this midfield would be a big miss if West Ham moves comes off. Should score header though and perhaps surprisingly one of lowest rated.
Benjamin Nygren - 8.2.10
Another confusing season could await. Again pretty quiet in general play but comes up with clinical goods.
Camillo Duran - 6.6/10
New signing has impressed in pre-season but impact limited out wide. Looked better through the middle in friendlies.
Kasper Hogh - 6.4/10
Kasper Hogh has joined Celtic for a record fee.placeholder image
Kasper Hogh has joined Celtic for a record fee. | NurPhoto via Getty Images
A few decent chances passed him by. Perhaps with added sharpness in Hoops he’d have found the net but knows the areas to get into and a physical threat. Missed a second half sitter. Lowest rated.
Some direct play before going down with what looked like a calf injury.
Subs used: Sebastian Tounekti, James Forrest, Colby Donovan, Luke McCowan