Celtic Player Ratings as Auston Trusty excels in Atalanta

Kasper Schmeichel – Celtic would have been going in at half time thanking the Denmark captain, as the veteran goalkeeper was sublime in the opening half. Making two massive saves, he would keep his side in the game with stops from close range, while his distribution both long and short was solid. His second half was quieter, but he did everything that was required of him, both in possession and keeping the ball out of his net. He deserved his clean sheet on the night. 8

Alistair Johnston – The right-back was almost immediately under pressure in this game, sliding in early and picking up a booking for his troubles. Now on a booking, the Canada international made up for his booking with an incredible tackle on Ademola Lookman, which ensured that the Nigerian striker didn’t get a shot away. A heroic performance on a booking from Johnston, who played through the pain barrier at the end to make sure his side came out of Bergamo with a well-deserved point. Time will tell if he has injured his hamstring, but what a gutsy performance from Celtic’s number two. A solid showing. 7

Auston Trusty – Keeping his place in the team due to Cameron Carter-Vickers not travelling, Trusty was a standout in the opening half for Celtic, throwing himself in front of shots and distributing the ball well when possible. His touch on Ademola Lookman’s shot early on in proceedings was vital, as it took the sting out of a shot that looked destined to trouble his keeper. The team’s star man on the night, Trusty looked every inch a £6 million signing in Bergamo. Winning every aerial duel, he truly arrived as a bona fide Celtic player. Trusty the Process! 9

Liam Scales – Beaten in the air by Pasalic – the woodwork coming to his rescue, thankfully – Scales was in the wars for Celtic beside Trusty in defence. Though not as good as his partner in the first half, he still showed up when it mattered with some useful blocks and touches. He would improve further in the second half, as he stabilised, perhaps helped by how well his defensive teammate was playing. Overall, a solid night for the Irishman, who deserved to be a part of this successful backline in Bergamo. You can rely on Scales to get it done when the chips are down. 8

Alex Valle – His first-ever start in Europe, Valle was one of Celtic’s better performers in the first half, though he did give the ball away a couple of times. Comfortable with going into the middle of the park as an inverted full-back, Valle stuck to his task, and looked to get on the front foot when possible. Not afraid to put a boot in when required, Valle was a useful out-ball for Celtic to hit when they managed to get up the park, as his overall game was impressive, given the difficult circumstances. He will take confidence from such a good showing at this level – there is certainly a player there to work with. A ballsy performance. 8

Callum McGregor – The captain’s first half was mixed, as some of his transitional play was solid, yet in other instances, his passing left a lot to be desired. He did stabilise in the second half, as he did not give the ball away as much, putting in a real captain’s performance when required. Composure was key from the skipper, and that’s what he brought to proceedings after the restart. His leadership was vital in Celtic securing a precious point away from home in Europe. 7

Arne Engels – A quiet first half apart from a couple of nice passes into the forward areas, Engels had to show more when in possession, as well as off the ball when pressing the opponent. He did have perhaps Celtic’s best chance of the game, as his snap-shot was saved by the Atalanta goalkeeper. Admittedly not his best night again, his deliveries were mixed, while his impact on the game was very limited. Celtic need a whole lot more from their record signing, though he did work hard off the ball. More to come, but he needs to get out of this mini-slump he is currently enduring. 5

Reo Hatate – His 100th appearance for Celtic, Hatate was Celtic’s best midfielder in the first half by a considerable distance. Some really nice intricate touches from the Japan middle-man, who worked tirelessly to get Celtic on the front foot in Bergamo. His impact on the game waned in the second half, which called for Rodgers to change it up in the middle of the park in the shape of Paulo Bernardo. Still, Hatate was good in this game until his departure – a mature performance from Celtic’s number 41. 7

Nicolas Kuhn – Much like his fellow winger Maeda, Kuhn was much more involved with the defensive side of things than being on the front foot, but he stuck to his task very well. A selfless showing from the German, Kuhn provided defensive cover for Johnston, as well as an out-ball when allowed to do so. His work off the ball will not be forgotten in amongst the other good performances for Celtic on the night, that’s for sure. A different dimension from Kuhn but a very effective one! 7

Adam Idah – Trusted ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi to lead the line away from home, Idah had a couple of nice hold-up touches with his back to goal, but his passing was pretty sub-par for the 65 or so minutes that he was on the pitch. A tireless shift was undertaken by the Irishman, though nothing really came off for him in an attacking sense. A work in progress, but his effort cannot be questioned. 6

Daizen Maeda – A tireless 75 minutes from the Japan winger, who ran himself into the ground for the cause. Though his attacking prowess was limited on the night, he more than made up for it with his constant running and pressing, which are a given from the left-sided player at this point. As usual, not a perfect showing on the night, what cannot be questioned is his attitude and willingness to work hard for his team – he is the catalyst to Celtic’s defensive work. Some shift from ‘Duracell Daizen’, but are you surprised? 7

Subs:

Kyogo Furuhashi – Having a chance straight away to break the deadlock, Kyogo posed a different sort of threat to those Atalanta defenders, who had become used to Idah’s physical presence. A solid but goalless cameo from Kyogo – you get the feeling that he’ll be needed in the home games versus RB Leipzig and Club Brugge respectively. 4

Paulo Bernardo – What a weapon to have off of the bench – though there is now a serious conversation on whether he should not be starting every game or not. Strong in the tackle with some important interceptions, the Portugal U21 captain was magnificent in his 20 minutes on the Bergamo park. A player who keeps getting better with every appearance that he makes – it will not be long before he cannot be benched anymore. Surely a start vs Motherwell is in the post for Celtic’s number 28. 6

Luis Palma – Good to see him in action for Celtic again, Palma worked hard for the 15 minutes he was on the park. Secured a timely interception that killed the flow of the game in Celtic’s favour. A solid cameo for the Honduras winger. 3

Luke McCowan – The Scottish midfielder put himself about and was always available when his defenders needed him. A memorable night for the boyhood fan – he will know what it means to his club. 3

James Forrest – Came on late for Kuhn and worked hard for the 15 minutes he was on the park. 2