Every manager dreams about the scenario where each and every individual of his squad is fit. However, it happens only once in a blue moon. Such situations could prove to be tricky for managers who are with teams that have an excellent squad depth and quality in each department. Celtic are among those.
The Hoops have incredible depth and their recent dominance in the Scottish league pretty much proves that. In fact, they even held Manchester City to a draw and credit should go to Rodgers for bringing the best out of his squad.
What would be their strongest XI? Let’s have a look.
Formation- 4-2-3-1
Rodgers has tried a number of formations since he took charge of Celtic this summer but has gotten the best results in a 4-2-3-1 system. So, we are going for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Defence
Brendan Rodgers snapped up the signing of Dorus de Vries from Nottingham Forest this summer. The Northern Irishman likes sweeper keepers more and Craig Gordon is not the best with the ball at his feet. However, after playing de Vries in a few games ahead of Gordon, the Northern Irishman has clearly realised Gordon is a much better option under the bar. So, we are going for Gordon between the sticks ahead of de Vries.
Kolo Toure is an automatic choice at the heart of the defence with his plethora of experience. Alongside the Ivorian, it should be Danish international Erik Sviatchenko. In the two full-back positions, we have to pick Mikael Lustig for his experience and Kieran Tierney for the quality he has shown at the tender age of just 19.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown and Israeli midfield enforcer Nir Bitton make our starting XI as the two pivots in midfield. The two are the first-choice central midfield pairing at Parkhead by some distance and demonstrate a brilliant combination of tenacity, industry and defensive ability. They provide a solid protection for the back four as well as setting the foundation of the team with their passing from the deep.
Tom Rogic is in a brilliant form so far this season and has been at the heart of everything creative for the team. The Aussie makes our strongest XI pretty easily. Who would have thought James Forrest would be the first choice right-winger at Celtic when the season started!
Once the heartthrob of the Celtic fans, the Scot found his career frozen at Parkhead under former boss Ronny Deila but he has done an excellent job under the new boss to resurrect his career. Forrest will start on the right flank in our strongest XI while on the left flank, it will be Scott Sinclair without any shadow of doubt.
Attack
Even though young Moussa Dembele did a brilliant job at Celtic since he joined the Hoops this summer from Fulham on a free transfer, Leigh Griffiths still makes our strongest XI. The Scottish international is the best striker in Scottish football by some distance. Dembele is a quality player but it would be a crime if we opt for him ahead of Griffiths.
