Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been quoted by Football Scotland as saying that he is taking tips from Celtic left-back Greg Taylor on how to play as an inverted full-back – with Taylor shining in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Tierney has been impressed with the form of Taylor, claiming the 24-year-old has been one of Celtic’s best players this season. Indeed, he has gone one step further and is trying to take tips from the eight-time Scotland international.
Postecoglou likes his Celtic side to play with freedom, and free-flowing in attack. It sees midfielders chase the ball around the park, attackers alternate from leading the line to playing out wide, and full-backs coming into the middle.
Taylor is often seen floating into the middle of the park and becoming a midfielder. Especially when the likes of Matt O’Riley or Reo Hatate have gone forward. Tierney says he is taking tips from the Celtic man, texting him, and watching.
Inverted full-back, that’s how we play down there. I watch him every week, taking tips. I’m really close to him, I speak to him lots. We watch each other’s games, always, and text. A new role for me and it’s a role he’s comfortable in.”
Tierney taking tips from Celtic left-back Taylor
He has been a revelation. Almost like a new signing on the left of defence this season. In his first two seasons at Celtic, he only just eclipsed 50 appearances. Last season, Josip Juranovic was used on the left, with Taylor injured at times.
But this season, he has started all nine outings in all competitions. He looks like he has spent the summer educating himself on the new role and how to play it. He seems utterly comfortable, and full of confidence.
The memory of Tierney at Celtic is beginning to fade thanks to the form of Taylor – arguably, the first in-form left-back Celtic have had since Tierney chose to move to Arsenal.
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