Callum McGregor has quietly become one of the most successful and accomplished players in Celtic’s illustrious history. With over 500 appearances, 23 major honors, and five trebles to his name, McGregor has solidified his place as a key figure at the club. Yet, despite his immense achievements, there remains a section of the Celtic fanbase that may not fully appreciate the magnitude of his contributions. The question arises: Why is this the case? Is it a matter of misunderstanding his role within the team or a result of other factors?
A Trophy-Laden Career:
McGregor’s achievements speak for themselves. Having played over 500 games for Celtic, he is not just a symbol of consistency but a testament to the club’s success over the past decade. With 9 league titles, 5 trebles, and a variety of domestic cup wins, McGregor is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. His trophy collection speaks volumes about his impact on Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football. As the captain for the last four seasons, McGregor has led the team to a treble, two doubles, and either a double or treble in the current season. Such accomplishments put him in the same league as some of the club’s greatest-ever players.
However, despite these statistics, his individual recognition sometimes feels disproportionate to his influence. There’s a general perception that McGregor doesn’t always receive the credit he deserves, which leads us to ask: Why does this happen?
The Role of the Deep-Lying Playmaker:
A significant factor in McGregor’s under appreciation may lie in the nature of his role in the team. Unlike more flashy or overtly attacking players, McGregor is known as a deep-lying playmaker. His primary function is to dictate the tempo of the game, linking defense and attack, controlling possession, and making key passes. His role, often described as the “engine” of the team, requires immense intelligence, vision, and technical ability, but it may not always produce the headlines that fans often gravitate towards.
In many instances, the fans’ focus tends to be on the goal scorers, the wingers, or the center-forwards – those players who contribute in more visibly exciting ways. McGregor’s importance lies in the subtleties of the game: his reading of situations, his movement off the ball, his ability to slow the play when needed and speed it up when appropriate. This unheralded contribution may be overlooked by fans who are less familiar with the nuances of tactical roles.
Consistency and Durability:
One of McGregor’s defining characteristics is his remarkable consistency and durability. His near ever-presence in the team, combined with a low injury record, adds to his reputation as a reliable figure. Many players have struggled with injuries or dips in form, yet McGregor has remained a constant, rarely missing significant amounts of time due to injury. In fact, there have been seasons where McGregor has played the most minutes of all players in Europe. This level of commitment and endurance is an extraordinary feat in modern football, yet it sometimes goes unnoticed in the face of more sensational headlines.
The fact that McGregor rarely takes a break might also contribute to moments of dip in his form, which is completely understandable given the sheer number of matches he plays each season. Football fans, particularly those who expect consistency at the highest level, can sometimes be unforgiving when a player’s form dips, even if the player is carrying the weight of a long and demanding season. Yet, despite these occasional dips, McGregor always bounces back, underlining his professionalism and desire to improve.
The Pressure of Leadership:
Being the captain of Celtic, McGregor has carried a considerable responsibility on his shoulders. Since taking over the captaincy, he has maintained a calm and composed leadership style, often in the background of more headline-grabbing players. His ability to lead by example, both in terms of his technical ability and work ethic, speaks volumes about his leadership qualities. Every manager, from Brendan Rodgers to Ange Postecoglou, has praised his commitment, his drive, and his work ethic. McGregor has been described as someone who sets the tone for the team, driving them forward both on and off the pitch.
However, the leadership role can sometimes create unrealistic expectations. Fans often expect their captain to be the loud, emotional, and visibly dominant figure in every match, which may be at odds with McGregor’s more reserved, but no less effective, leadership style. The quieter nature of his influence may not resonate with all fans, but it is clear that McGregor has been indispensable to the team’s success.
Hampden and Legacy:
McGregor’s record at Hampden, where he has never lost a match, also adds to his legacy. Playing in one of the most important venues in Scottish football, McGregor’s invincibility on that hallowed turf demonstrates his ability to rise to the occasion. It’s a record that speaks volumes about his mentality and composure in high-pressure situations. His ability to maintain such an extraordinary record over so many years highlights his consistency in crucial moments, yet again, it doesn’t always attract the recognition it deserves.
Understanding the Complexity of Appreciation:
At the heart of McGregor’s under appreciation lies a deeper question: Do some fans fail to recognize the value of a player who doesn’t fit the mold of the typical football superstar? With McGregor, it’s not about the flashiness of his style but about the vital role he plays in orchestrating Celtic’s play. In an era where football has become more tactical and strategic, fans sometimes focus too much on goals and assists as a measure of a player’s quality. Yet, McGregor’s contribution goes beyond mere statistics.
Perhaps part of the issue lies in how football culture has evolved, with fans becoming increasingly inclined to idolize those who produce moments of individual brilliance. McGregor’s role as a deep-lying playmaker, while vital to the team, does not fit this mold. The less glamorous role of a midfielder who dictates play may be more difficult for some supporters to fully appreciate.
Conclusion:
Callum McGregor’s place in Celtic’s history is assured, but his under appreciation by certain sections of the fanbase raises an interesting debate. While some may overlook his influence due to his less flamboyant role, the numbers and honors speak for themselves. McGregor’s consistency, leadership, and durability have made him one of the most decorated and important players in Celtic’s storied past. Whether or not his contributions are fully acknowledged, McGregor’s legacy at Celtic is undeniable, and his importance to the team will be felt long after he has hung up his boots. The question remains: Will he receive the recognition he truly deserves in the future? Time will tell, but his legacy is already firmly cemented.
Written by Weejoe February 07 2025 11:11:35
