Celtic Player Ratings as O'Riley and Hatate crush Chelsea

Anthony Ralston – Again, another hearty performance from the Scotland international, who put his body on the line for the cause whenever Chelsea attacked. Though not the most talented player technically, no one can fault his commitment and heart, which will be called upon when the campaign commences next week. A solid performance from the Celtic academy graduate, who will share the right-back mantel with Alistair Johnston in the season ahead. 6

Cameron Carter-Vickers – The USA international made his pre-season bow in Indiana, with the defender picking up where he left off last campaign by barely putting a foot wrong in the first 45 minutes. Strong, committed and effective in the pass, Carter-Vickers strolled this game – in front of thousands of adoring stateside supporters. Good to see him back, here’s hoping he can stay fit for the duration of the season ahead. He’s that important. 7

Liam Scales – Had the worst possible start to events tonight after giving the ball up almost immediately after kick-off, which presented Enzo Maresca’s side with an early chance. To his credit, though, he did stabilise the longer he stayed on the pitch, as his passing was purposeful and crisp when playing the ball forward. Like with left-back, there has to be stronger reinforcements on the way if Celtic are to get to the net level, but Scales is a more-than-capable deputy from time to time. An eventually solid performance from the Irishman. 6

Greg Taylor – What looked to be a tough night on paper against the power and pace of wide-man Noni Madueke, the Scotland international for the most part dealt with the England youth international’s talents pretty well. He would also set up the opener for O’Riley, by passing it inside to the attacking midfielder who did what he does best from distance. Although reinforcements are needed in this area, Taylor showed up well for the vast majority of the game. A solid outing for the player, who will start the season again as a first-choice left-back. 7

Callum McGregor – A quiet game for the captain, again he took a backseat to allow the likes of Hatate and O’Riley to affect proceedings in the forward areas. A couple of slack moments here and there, but nothing to worry about ahead of yet another long season for the Celtic skipper. We all know what he is capable of, after all. More to come from number 42, that’s for sure. 6

Reo Hatate – This redemption arc that Hatate is on is a real feast for the eyes. A standout again this evening, the temperamental midfielder bossed proceedings against a midfield worth way more than the one he is involved with. Calm and calculated on the ball mixed with the speed to make dangerous moves occur, Celtic’s number 41 bossed things tonight, against capable opposition who could do little to stop him in his tracks. A masterclass from a player who looks to be in his strongest form yet. Exciting times for the 26-year-old. 9

Matt O’Riley – Against an opposition that has cost hundreds of millions to assemble, the former MK Dons man shone once again versus high-quality opponents. Picking the ball up following an impressive pass from Taylor, the Dane took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable shot in the direction of Robert Sanchez, who had no chance of keeping the ball out of his own net. He would turn from goalscorer to provider, as he played a square ball to Kyogo after good work from his teammates to work it out wide to their star man. Another brilliant performance by Celtic’s prized asset, who no doubt increases in admirers every time he enters the pitch. Predictably magic from Matt O’Riley – but are you surprised? 9

James Forrest – A surprise start ahead of Nicolas Kuhn - who picked up a knock last time out versus Manchester City – Forrest had a quiet game against Chelsea. He endeavoured to try and make things happen, but it was Maeda who was the busier of the two wide options in tonight’s game. Still, another 60 minutes in the tank, of what is sure to be another important season for the veteran winger. Reliable. 6

Kyogo Furuhashi – Another pre-season game, another goal for the Japan talisman, as he found himself in the right place at the right time to tap home a squared pass from O’Riley. Previously, he received a pass of the same kind from Maeda, with the striker’s shot brilliantly saved by Sanchez. Not a bad habit to be getting into, with his movement off the ball and willingness to drop deep needing to be highlighted also during his time on the American pitch. Kyogo is a man on a mission this season – expect big things from the talismanic figure up front for Celtic in the weeks and months to come. 8

Daizen Maeda – Another bright performance from the left-winger, though his inclusion in this game resulted in one of the only negatives of a bright first half. Indeed, the Japan international put the ball on a plate for Kyogo, who had his shot saved by Sanchez from close range. A menace for the time when he was on the park, he had to be taken off due to a knock sustained at the end of the opening 45 minutes. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious, as his importance to this side on both ends is paramount to the club’s success. 7

Subs:

Luis Palma – Coming on for the injured Maeda near the end of the opening half, he squandered a golden chance to make it 3-0 by aiming his shot straight at Robert Sanchez, an easy save. Funnily enough, he would make it three in the second half, as he slotted past the same goalkeeper with ease following a mistake by the hapless Chelsea backline. With two goals in two pre-season games, Maeda’s knock may lead to a big chance to come Palma’s way. On current form, you would expect him to take it with both hands. 6

Stephen Welsh – Replacing Carter-Vickers is always a tough task, but Welsh did his best to do so. Defended well when called upon and showed that he could slot in when required. Will be interesting to see if links to Belgian club Mechelen have any weight to them – he did potential suitors no harm tonight with this steady showing. 6

Yang Hyun-jun – Endeavoured to try and make things happen for Celtic in the attacking areas, but his impact was minimal to say the least. Will be intriguing to see where Yang’s footballing location will be this campaign – my money is on a loan deal away from the club for more game-time. 4

Matthew Anderson – Another promising showing from the young left-back, who passes the eye test whenever he takes to the field. Definitely one for the future, but potentially could do a job now. A fruitful week in America for the former Admira Wacker man. 5

Viljami Sinisalo – The only action the new goalkeeper faced was Nkunku’s penalty, of which he guessed the wrong way concerning placement. More to come from the Finland international. 3

Bosun Lawal – A minimal impact on proceedings. Perhaps a loan away could and will be the best thing for the talented midfielder. A couple of nice touches but nothing major. 2

Gustaf Lagerbielke – Little of note to document, though he kept Chelsea’s attacks to a minimum whilst he was present on the park. An interesting month ahead for the Swede. 2

Mikey Johnston – Much more like it from the much-maligned forward. After pressing the Chelsea defence into a mistake for Celtic’s third, he would slot past Sanchez to score a fourth of the contest. Not a perfect cameo but one with many more pros than cons. A better showing from the 25-year-old. 6

Odin Thiago Holm – Despite being on the pitch for only 10 minutes, the talented Norwegian had a few nice touches. Definitely something there with the midfielder – Rodgers just needs to unlock it, and consistently. 5

Colby Donovan – Was involved in the only negative bit of play from Celtic on the night, as he allowed Raheem Sterling to get in front of him – initiating contact in the box in the process. The youngster will learn from this. 2

Francis Turley – Had a shot late-on but nothing else of note from the promising youth forward. What a week it has been for the youngster - both on and off of the pitch – with the first team. 1