Despite being a former player for their bitter rivals, Alan Hutton has been effusive in his praise of Callum McGregor after yet another stunning display in which Celtic romped to victory.
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton highlights just how important the midfielder is to the Hoops and what he brings to Neil Lennon’s side.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked about the form of Scott Brown’s right-hand man (or left as the case may be), Hutton said:
“He’s been brilliant, he’s literally been relentless since the winter break.”
“I think the best thing for Celtic was probably the defeat to Rangers to see what they needed to do. They’ve really kicked on again and gone from strength to strength.”
“He’s a main part of what they do. He chips in with goals, he can see a pass, he can run all day – he’s a main player for them. He really makes them tick.”
So is Hutton correct?
Absolutely, McGregor has now taken the mantle off Brown in being the man that makes his side tick, “relentless” is the perfect word to describe the Scotland international because of the work he does both in attack and defence.
Box-to-box midfielders were supposed to be a thing of the past but he is proving that – in the right formation – if they have the quality, they can be a key component to success as well as allowing flexibility within a system, McGregor can play from defensive midfielder through to number 10 if required such is his technical ability.
Not only does he produce outstanding numbers for a central midfielder – 9 assists and 10 goals – he is always available, 69 appearances for club and country last term and 43 already this season, the man is a machine.
McGregor is a player that Brendan Rodgers developed but one that Lennon has built his team around and if ever a manager’s team was reflected in one player it would be this Celtic side – as Hutton said, “relentless”.
Is Callum McGregor Celtic's most important midfielder?
Yes
