Brendan Rodgers walked in the door as Celtic manager this summer and knew he had a job on his hands.
The Northern Irishman would not have it all his own way with Rangers looking to lay their marker down but, so far, it’s been plain sailing in the Premiership for the Hoops at the very least. Rodgers’ transfer business perhaps left a little to be desired but the former Leicester and Liverpool boss is a coach who is known for getting the best out of his squad.
That seems to be doing the trick so far this campaign with some so-called ‘lesser’ players outdoing themselves and playing better and more regularly than any supporter would’ve thought. Here Football Scotland has taken a closer look at the surprise packages for the season so far.
Matt O’Riley
The midfielder looked like he could potentially be on his way out of the club while Ange Postecoglou was still here but Brendan Rodgers has turned his game around for the good. Fans knew he was a class act but he’s upped his scoring tally and his assists and has looked sublime in both domestic football and in the Champions League. Will be a shoo-in for player of the year if he keeps it up and after last term that’s a bit of an unexpected upturn.
Liam Scales
Who saw this coming? New signings Maik Nawrocki and Gus Lagerbielke cannot get a look in as the Irishman hasn’t put a foot wrong since becoming involved, simply, by default. At the time he showed up in the starting XI it was because there was nobody left to face Rangers. Put in a helluva shift that day and has looked strong and capable alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in every game since.
Luis Palma
The summer signing that took everyone by surprise. And that’s just because it looked like he’d be turning out in Light Blue for rivals Rangers as early as the end of last season. He took a week or two to get up and running but is now one of the most creative outlets they’ve got. His talent is clear to see, his running, pace, passing range are all excellent and he can score goals, too. His assists for Matt O’Riley, James Forrest and Oh this season in particular stand out.