Celtic Player Ratings at Hatate, McGregor and Kuhn dazzle

Kasper Schmeichel - That big save against Sesko at 2-1 was massive for Celtic - this is why Rodgers entrusted Schmeichel to be his number one in the summer. With two huge saves on the night, coupled with tremendous distribution out from the back, the 38-year-old celebrated his birthday in style, as he contributed to a historic victory at Celtic Park. The club are in safe hands with this man between the sticks. 9

Alistair Johnston - Not his best night, though his effort cannot be faulted. A couple of stray passes, as well as a really strange defensive sliding action in the box, made his performance a perplexing one. As the game wore on, he did improve, as there was more of an impetus on his attacking game, including the ball into the box that Gulasci spilt to Hatate. A mixed night, but nothing worrying from a player who has delivered far more often than not in this campaign. 6

Cameron Carter-Vickers - Much like his USA defensive partner beside him, CCV was solid throughout this game, as he gave Celtic 70 minutes of solidity and leadership at the back for the club - to be expected, in all honesty. Strong in the tackle and good on the ball, Carter-Vickers led by example - with a brilliant partnership alongside Trusty seemingly forming more and more with each game. Another colossal performance from a man who looks like he hasn’t missed a beat since returning from injury. Class. 8

Auston Trusty - Humble pie is being dished out to a lot of people concerning Mr Trusty. The American was brilliant, sweeping up everything that came his way. The only blot on his copybook was a slack pass that led to the corners that opened the scoring for Leipzig, but he more than made up for it with his dominating performance alongside his fellow countryman. £6 million is looking like a bit of a bargain for the towering USA international. Absolutely bossed it. 9

Greg Taylor - He was having one of his poorer games for Celtic, then he stepped up with a vital piece of play that put Celtic ahead on the night. Intercepting Hatate’s ball with his own touch, he directed the pass to Kuhn, who scored his second goal of the night. Previous to this, he was a little slack on the ball, though nothing major or problematic - he’s still getting his fitness back, after all. Was replaced by Valle after an hour. 7

Callum McGregor - This was a performance for the ages from Celtic’s skipper - it may even be his best European display all in. Strong on the ball and in the tackle, his leadership and drive was evident throughout the match, as Celtic relied on their captain to surge them forward - with him at their base. A spectacular solo run in the second half was the highlight, as he managed to part the Leipzig midfield with his penetration and direct movement into the opposition’s half. Well on his way to becoming a Celtic legend with performances like these. Mammoth. 10

Arne Engels - When Arne Engels starts dictating games, everybody knows about it. After a so-so first half hour, he turned it on, playing an influential role in Celtic’s first goal via an assist to Kuhn, as well as bringing calmness and solidity in the middle of the park that was needed during a frantic spell. He would continue this in the second half, before being replaced by Paulo Bernardo at the hour mark. Looks every inch an £11 million player now, thankfully. 8

Reo Hatate - Though Kuhn will garner the headlines - and rightly so - Hatate was Celtic’s shining star on the night. His fortuitous goal was the icing on the cake, as his overall performance was magical against RB Leipzig. His best in a Celtic jersey, Hatate showed exactly why people (such as myself) rave about his ability, though he matched it with his maturity and calmness on the ball and in possession. His nutmeg late on was a thing of beauty, but so was his overall performance for Celtic on Tuesday night. There’s no one better in this country when he plays like this. 10

Nicolas Kuhn - Move over Lady Gaga - a star was born at Celtic Park in the form of Nicolas Kuhn! What a way to announce yourself in Europe - and bite back at the team that let you go - as the German winger scored twice to put Celtic in the lead at half-time. His first was a cracker, as he cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable shot that left the Leipzig keeper with no chance. His second was a case of right place, right time, as he tapped home a diverted cross by Greg Taylor to put Celtic ahead. Brilliant from the German, as his arrival as a Celtic superstar was confirmed on the night. 10

Kyogo Furuhashi - A thankless task for Kyogo up front, he chased every single ball and lost cause for the club, despite having to live off of scraps. He had a golden opportunity that he squandered - both with his shot and by failing to square to Maeda - though he worked ever so hard for his team on the night. He led the line with distinction, even without scoring. 7

Daizen Maeda - This was very much a Maeda in Europe performance. You get the good with the bad concerning the Japan winger, as his hard work off the ball was matched by his lack of composure while in possession. Despite this, he was a defensive menace, always looking to press the opposition and go on the counter when required. 7

Subs:

Alex Valle - Though a lot of the talk pre-match was on his future in January, Valle did really well when he came on after 60 minutes for Taylor. Celtic looks a better side when he is playing, as he possesses that athletic drive and running power that is difficult to cope with. Another encouraging display - let’s hope these rumours are false. 7

Paulo Bernardo - A very impressive cameo off of the bench, Bernardo kept his game simple, but his passing and drive were there to be seen. His role as an impact sub is working well, though he will no doubt want to start more games as the season progresses. Solid. 6

Yang Hyun-jun - The surprise package of the night, Yang was a menace when he came on in place of Kuhn. His dribbling was dangerous, and his passing was smart and measured, giving Celtic a useful out-ball and provider in the closing stages. There’s a player in Yang, he just needs to be consistent when given these opportunities. A very promising cameo. 7

Liam Scales - Though he did not have a lot of defending to do, what little he was asked to deal with was done so by the Irishman. Time will tell if he can shift Trusty, though he is a reliable option if things change at the back. 5

Adam Idah - Cameron on late and imposed himself, though he did not have many chances to effectively danger the visitors on the night. Not troubling Kyogo at the moment concerning his starting place. 3