Pre-season has come and gone for Celtic, and this weekend, they will begin their league title defence with a game against Ross County on Flag Day. The Hoops gave the fans a lot to cheer about in midweek as well though, staging a comeback win against Athletic Bilbao. They managed to win 3-2 against the Spanish giants in what was James Forrest’s testimonial.
Now, all eyes will turn towards the season that is to come. The Hoops have three trophies to defend as well as Champions League group stage football to look forward to.
It is going to be interesting how Brendan Rodgers changes things up moving forward. Some of the players who were struggling under the management of Ange Postecoglou have been successful in impressing in pre-season this time around.
One name that comes to mind immediately in that regard is Alexandro Bernabei. The Argentine left-back was signed last summer from Lanus but has barely played since then. Could that change moving forward though?
Forgotten Celtic player might have a role in Rodgers’ team
Bernabei found the back of the net against Athletic Bilbao. It was his second goal in pre-season. And it is clear that there is some talent there, which needs to be nurtured.
The Argentine might not be the best option to have in the defensive phase of the game. But he does offer a lot when going forward and it remains to be seen if Rodgers can get the most out of him in the upcoming season. He has Greg Taylot to compete with for the left-back spot at Celtic.
Last season was Bernabei’s first in Europe. This time around, he will know what to expect. And the good thing is that he is a very different type of player to Taylor, which gives Rodgers options.