Celtic have spread their scouting network far and wide under the management of Ange Postecoglou. The perfect example of that was the signing of Alexandro Bernabei in the summer. In the process, he became the first Argentine player in the history of the club. The left-back was brought in from Lanus.
He has not had the best start at Celtic Park though, struggling to get ahead of Greg Taylor in the pecking order. That should not come as a surprise considering how good and consistent the Scottish left-back has been this season.
Bernabei certainly has his qualities, mostly going forward, but at the moment, Taylor just seems like a much more complete player. It remains to be seen if the Argentine can develop his game further over the coming months and establish himself in the starting XI at Celtic.
Frank McAvennie seems to believe that Bernabei might be a better defender than Taylor. As reported by Football Insider, the former Celtic player said:
"“He is a natural left-back and I think he might be a better defender.“But Greg has come on leaps and bounds and I have not been short of criticising him when he has needed it. But he has come on wonders and that is all down to the manager.“I just can’t get used to seeing the left-back running up front but that is the way Celtic like to play now and it is great to watch.“At the moment Bernabei is just biding his time and his goal last week is not doing him any harm.“"
Celtic hero makes questionable Bernabei claim
Considering that most of the criticism surrounding Bernabei has been regarding the defensive side of his game, that is certainly a surprising claim from McAvennie. The Argentine might be more mobile but he does not seem as polished as Taylor at the back.
That is not to say that he could not develop that side of his game under the management of Postecoglou. Taylor himself is the perfect example of a player transformed.
In his first couple of seasons at Celtic, Taylor was considered as a squad player. He has improved significantly over the last two campaigns though and right now is a nailed on starter for the Hoops at left-back.
There is no reason that Bernabei could not do the same. He is just 22 years of age and has plenty of time on his hands to develop and get better.