Celtic’s recent form has been a source of growing concern, and former midfielder Scott Allan has identified the core issue: a lack of physicality and midfield dominance that has been exposed in three consecutive defeats. The club’s struggles to impose their will in duels and control the tempo of games have become a recurring theme, with Allan suggesting this deficiency is now a defining characteristic of their current setup.
Allan’s assessment comes at a pivotal moment for Celtic, who return to action against Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday. The Old Firm derby is always a litmus test, but this fixture carries added weight after a string of results that have left the champions searching for answers. The midfield, traditionally a Celtic strength, has been the focal point of criticism—particularly in how they’ve been outmuscled in recent encounters. Allan’s comments underscore a broader tactical concern: the inability to dictate play through positional dominance, a hallmark of their past successes under managers like Neil Lennon and Ronny Deila.
The arrival of Oliver Sørensen, the 24-year-old Danish midfielder, has been touted as a solution to this very problem. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has already signaled his belief that Sørensen’s physical presence could fill the void left by departures like Scott Brown himself and others. Yet, the transition has not been seamless. Allan’s critique suggests that while individual talent is present, the collective ability to translate that into match-winning performances remains inconsistent. The challenge for manager Ange Postecoglou will be ensuring Sørensen and his teammates adapt quickly—especially against Rangers, a side that has historically thrived on physicality and defensive organization.
What remains unclear is whether Celtic’s midfield can evolve in time. The club’s recent form has been a mix of promising flashes and frustrating collapses, with Allan’s observations pointing to a structural issue rather than a temporary slump. If the midfield continues to struggle, the consequences could extend beyond the Scottish Premiership, affecting Celtic’s ambitions in Europe and their ability to maintain dominance at home. The Rangers match is not just another fixture—it’s a test of whether the club can address Allan’s concerns before the season’s momentum slips entirely.
