15 Feb 2022 13:10:34
Hi - I hope Feb 14th hasn't sapped all your strength lads!

I was just musing about who I think has been the most influential player for us thus far? There is a case to be made for many but I have plumped for Kyogo. Why - since he has only played about 14 games for us?

I have been swayed by him as I think he has been that VITAL spark for us when we needed it most. We lost 3 of our first 6 games but I believe it has been his enthusiasm, energy, determination and sheer enjoyment for the game that has set us all alight. His goals have been crucial, of course they have, but i think those other attributes have sent a clear signal to many of our players that it is not just skill that gets you rewards. He came in as one (the first, I'm not sure) of Sensei Anges' first signings. Our players must have looked at him and thought - "Ah - this type of player is how Ange sees us playing like in the future. Going forward we me must match all the attributes that this little fella shows. If we won't or can't adapt to it then we are history at Celtic". And our players have adapted to it magnificently.

Kyogo has set the tone that no longer will the Celtic manager tolerate passengers, no longer will he tolerate 70% effort anymore, he will not tolerate ego, there is no place in his team for those that think they have made it just because they have pulled on the Hoops. He has said "look at this wee fella Kyogo, I've signed him so his style etc is how I am going to play going forward, ship up or ship out"

Kyogo - he is the gold standard of the Ange revolution. That is why I have selected him.

Feel free to pick someone else.

{Ed007's Note - Overall I'd go for Joe Hart for his influence on and off the park, for the stability & confidence he has brought to the Gk/defensive unit.
Actually in the team I'd have Jota and Abada in front of Kyogo simply because of the amount of games Kyogo has missed and how the two youngsters have stepped up to the mark with him missing.}

1.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 13:54:04
I would be more inclined to agree with Ed on this in regards to the amount of games Kyogo has missed.
I would also put CCV in the mix.

2.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 14:00:25
Guys most important person step forward Ange Postecoglou
Without him bringing these players to Celtic we would not have a debate.
PS Stubbieshorse
To your first point, I tired Mrs T out (if you believe that I have a bridge in London I can sell you lol)
My Valentine song would be based On the Oldest Swinger in Town, with emphasis on the line
"when it takes you ALL NIGHT to do what did All Night" ha ha.

3.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 14:00:42
Joe Hart is a good shout. Geez me the fear trying to get game started when we are under the cosh. 2-1 up at hearts was one but influence around team is priceless. Always looking out for teammates.

4.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 14:21:05
Jonbhoy, Ed. I did consider Hart for those very reasons you have stated. Shoring up that defence has been monumental and Hart has been - well - at the heart of it. There is a general calmness and grit there that we have missed for a long time.

However, to my mind, the defence isn't synonymous with what most of us would consider the "Celtic and Ange way". That electric and dynamic use of the ball, that willingness to run yourself into the ground, one touch football, putting fear into the opposition, mesmeric style, grace on the ball and a technical brilliance not seen in Scottish football for a long time. It's not fair on the defence of course but Kyogo has been the primogenitor of a style of football that has us getting our bums of our seats.

As I said I consider him the gold standard of the way Sensei wants his players to operate.

5.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 14:27:00
Joe Hart has been a great surprise to me on and off the park Ange for me has been UNBELIEVABLE its like the perfect marriage. He gets us and we all get him he is Celtic but not a player so I would say the first 11 would be my shout for best player as they all play for each other and there is no I in team corny but true.

6.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 14:49:33
Hahaha Tim - we all know that you are a sexual Tyrannosaurus so you are fooling nobody mate.

Tony2bhoy. There may be no I in team but some players also know that there is an M and E in it. Perhaps that's why players of undoubted skill like Mikey J can't really fit in to what Ange wants.

7.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 15:45:56
Tom rogics assists this season have helped our front men HH.

8.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 18:03:18
I go with Ed on this. Big JH has settled the players all the way from the back.
The players are not afraid to pass across and back to him.

9.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 21:29:11
The fact this is even a topic up for discussion, and with a selection of very valid suggestions, shows just how far we've come in such a short time. All thanks to the Ange. What a guy! . I'll chuck my tuppence worth in though and say CalMac for me. I think he's stepped into the captains role really well, and his ability and consistency in our engine room really makes the team click, imo. Would also say Kyogo is right up there too, just for that goal against hibs where he first time lobs it over the keeper. That goal influenced abody!

10.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 22:03:53
CalMac for me, he’s stepped up to be our new captain when we were in a real mess at the start of the season, he’s literally put his body on the line for us, he’s taken us to the top of the league all this and more with team full of brand new players from all over the world.

11.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 22:19:43
I think it must be Kyogo, ever since he came into the team, he has been a revelation, apart from his goals, his workrate, his tackling back, when the ball is lost, his helping out in defence, his speed of thought and movement, has inspired the rest of the team, the difference since he has been out is blindingly obvious, as for Joe Hart, I must be the only one who can't see the emperor's New clothes, after a shaky start CCV, is the reason the defence has steadied up, in goalkeeping terms, Hart is competent at best, every time he does the passing out from the back, but he only passes it to the edge of the penalty box, then gets it back from the defender, then panics and passes it to another defender who is already under pressure, and gets it back, and then thrashes out of play, it gives me the nerves, every corner kick, or free kick into the box, he is stuck like a statue on the goaline, and then everyone wonders why we keep losing goals at set pieces, so in conclusion, I think Kyogo has been the most influential player,
PS why was everyone clapping Julien back onto the field, he is not half the player CCV is.

12.) 15 Feb 2022
15 Feb 2022 23:14:07
Hart ccv and callum for me.

13.) 16 Feb 2022
16 Feb 2022 10:13:36
I think ralston was the best player in the opening 10 games of the season. In the first 6 games he was the only player with consistency that seemed to take anges style in his stride. From there kyogo in parts carried the team until Christmas and won us points and the cup almost single handedly. Since christmas with kyogo out injured jota and abada have really stepped up and been fantastic. Hart and ccv have been consistent all season and really sured up our defence. Callum is the captain we knew he would be. Player of the season really could be any of these guys and all in my opinion have been pivotal in us regaining top spot.