Celtic’s Future Without Callum McGregor
Celtic got a glimpse of what life could look like without Callum McGregor during their recent Old Firm clash against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. The veteran midfielder missed the match due to injury, forcing manager Brendan Rodgers to reshuffle his midfield. Arne Engels was deployed in a deeper role, flanked by Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing outing for the Hoops, who lost 3-2 despite rallying from a 2-0 deficit to level the score in the second half.
The Importance of Callum McGregor
McGregor’s absence was keenly felt. As both the club captain and a key figure in Rodgers’ system, the midfielder’s influence extends beyond his on-field contributions. Operating at the base of the midfield, McGregor uses his composure and technical ability to dictate matches, boasting an impressive 94% pass accuracy in the Premiership this season. He also leads Celtic’s midfielders in passes completed per game (78.3) and pass accuracy, highlighting his metronomic presence in the side.
However, the Scottish star will turn 32 this summer, prompting questions about his long-term successor as captain. One candidate who has emerged as a potential leader is American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has proven to be a shrewd acquisition for the club.
Celtic’s Next Captain: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Carter-Vickers initially joined Celtic on loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the 2021/22 season under Ange Postecoglou. His impressive performances earned him a permanent £6m move, and he hasn’t looked back. Now in his third season as a permanent Hoops player, the 27-year-old is on track to help Celtic secure a third consecutive Premiership title.
The USA international has been a consistent performer, earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year in each of his campaigns at Parkhead. Rodgers has praised his aggressive style, and his market value has skyrocketed to £11.7m—significantly higher than the fee Celtic paid to sign him. Carter-Vickers has also stepped up as a leader, captaining the side in seven Premiership matches over the past two seasons when McGregor has been unavailable.
A Future Leader
With McGregor entering the latter stages of his career, Carter-Vickers has emerged as a natural successor for the captaincy. His defensive brilliance, leadership qualities, and consistent performances make him an ideal candidate to wear the armband in the future.
Celtic struck gold with Carter-Vickers, not only in terms of his on-field contributions but also his potential to lead the club into a new era. Postecoglou’s £6m investment has paid off handsomely, and the Hoops now have a player who could be their next captain for years to come.
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