Celtic need to stop using Joe Ledley as a left back
The midfield suffers from the absence of the Welshman
In recent years, the left-back position at Celtic Park has been the most difficult of positions to fill. Names such as Lee Naylor and Danny Fox have came and failed to fill the gaping hole left by the exit of Mo Camara and the Parkhead faithful must be tearing their hair out at this situation.
The last time Celtic looked to have a competent left-back was the period when Mark Wilson deputised as left-back with Paul “Telfu” Telfer dominating the right-back position. Since then, it has been troublesome with the full-back slots heaping further pressure and problems onto centre halves that have not had to seek their problems.
The signing of Charlie Mulgrew was not the solution that most fans were looking for and very early on, it seemed as though Neil Lennon was aware of Mulgrew’s shortcomings. Joe Ledley was quickly drafted in as a replacement left-back and in the short-term, it worked. The opening goal against St Mirren in Celtic’s first home league game of the season came from Ledley rampaging forward from the left-back position.
Celtic’s Honduran signing has looked good
The signing of Emilio Izaguirre and his subsequent performances looked to be the perfect solution and in a short space of time, the Honduran international has impressed.
However, the curse of the Celtic full-back spot has kicked in with an injury in the League Cup tie versus Inverness Caldeonian Thistle ruling Izaguirre out. Charlie Mulgrew took the opportunity to come back into the team and for that evening against Caley and the first half against Hibs at home, Mulgrew exceeded expectations.
An injury to Mulgrew though forced a change with Joe Ledley dropping back to left-back and this has not been good for Celtic.
Ledley appearing at left-back has actually managed to weaken two areas for Celtic. Although some fans don’t think Ledley has dominated games in midfield, there is the impression that his role allows other players to excel and it is only when Ledley is not in midfield that his influence is noticed.
Ledley has even helped Scott Brown look good
The second half against Hibs saw Celtic squander possession regularly and made for an uncomfortable 45 minutes for the team and fans alike. Against Hamilton, Celtic were not at the races for the opening 20 minutes and Scott Brown, who had looked good alongside Ledley, gave another headless chicken performance which had become his trademark in recent years.
Not only has the midfield been hampered by the loss of the Welshman but the deficiencies of Ledley as a left-back have started to show. This is not a criticism of the player who has switched position without fuss or complaint. It is to his credit that Ledley has dropped back to left-back but if he continues to be used in this role, Celtic could well be punished. His positional sense and awareness is not what it should be when facing the right winger of the opposition and with big challenges coming after the international break, Celtic need to be at their best.
Could Mark Wilson be a better alternative at left-back?
Neil Lennon will point to injuries to two left-backs as being unfortunate, and he would be correct but with Mark Wilson on the bench, it is maybe time to place Ledley back into midfield. Perhaps the break for international games will allow Izaguirre or Mulgrew to regain fitness but Celtic need to start selecting their strongest line-up with regards to key positions.
Worrying about the left-back position is nothing new for Celtic fans….but its not getting any easier to take.
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they should be using the u19 left back, who s playing for Scotland u19s in Estonia, at the moment, time to give youth a chance.
There is certainly an argument that in a home game against Hamilton, Celtic could take the opportunity to bleed a youngster.
Filip Twardzik didn’t look out of his depth during pre-season in this role and perhaps he should have been selected at left-back.
Get real, Ledley is filling in as many do in maby teams. Are you suggesting we should have bought another left back as in the story? Or in your comment just going along with we should have perhaps played a youngster?
I am sure had say Misun been fit he would have started but to blood a complete novice would have been folly. Rangers despite the way they have got the results have matched our start. The first to blink this season could be crucial.
Experience for me this season and if that means in this occasion Ledley at left back then so be it.
There will be plenty of times to give the youth a look as the season goes on and the time is right.
Milan Misun is currently on loan at Dundee.
Obviously Joe Ledley is not a permanent choice at left-back and it has been unlucky with two left-backs being injured but the loss of Ledley in the centre of midfield has hurt Celtic.
Celtic have the numbers in midfield to withstand the losses (even with Biram Kayal being injured) but they just seemed to function better with Ledley in there.
The international break may have come at the right time for Celtic. The point of the article was as much to highlight the importance of Ledley to the central midfield of Celtic (making Scott Brown look like a player) as opposed to a dig or criticism of Ledley being used at left-back…but if it becomes a regular occurrence, Celtic could suffer.
See what your saying I actually missed the bottom of the original story about Wilson Thought it was done and hit “end” to make a post. Had forgot about Misun being on loan.
I know what you mean about the midfield though. Speaking of wich it has been years since we have been spoiled for choice there as we are at present.
Agreed James, the Celtic midfield is potentially the strongest it has been for a good couple of years.
“Potentially” I would agree but the inclusion of Scott Brown drags the rest of the team down to his level.
Celtic have no lack of good young left backs at the club, going from Milan Misun and Anton Kurakins in the development squad to Keiran Brennan and Filip Twardyzk in the youths..I think the problem is we have so many good players in the first team that Neil Lennon is trying to get them into the starting line-up even if that means players are out of their strongest position as was seen on Saturday with Ledley at LB meaning he could bring Ki in for a start in midfield without dropping Joe.