Michael Stewart: Adam Could Be Key to Solving Brendan Rodgers’ Defensive Issues Against Atalanta
With Celtic set to face Atalanta in a high-stakes European clash, former Scotland international and prominent football pundit Michael Stewart has sparked debate by suggesting that Celtic attacker, Adam, could hold the key to addressing Brendan Rodgers’ ongoing defensive issues.
In recent weeks, Celtic have found themselves under scrutiny, particularly for defensive vulnerabilities that have been exposed in both domestic and European competitions. Atalanta, known for their fluid attacking play and high pressing style under Gian Piero Gasperini, pose a significant threat. Celtic’s backline, which has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, will be under immense pressure to perform. However, Stewart believes that an unexpected solution may come from the front, with Adam, an attacking talent, playing a pivotal role.
Stewart’s analysis centers on the idea that Celtic’s best strategy against Atalanta could lie in controlling the game further up the pitch. He argues that Adam’s dynamic presence in the forward line could help mitigate defensive frailties by forcing Atalanta to focus more on their own defensive duties. Known for his versatility, Adam can drop deep to link play, hold the ball up effectively, and initiate counter-attacks — all of which could reduce the pressure on Celtic’s shaky defence.
“Rodgers’ teams are at their best when they dominate possession and control the tempo. Adam could help Celtic regain that control by keeping Atalanta’s defenders on their toes, which, in turn, could relieve the pressure on Celtic’s backline,” Stewart explained in a recent interview.
He added, “It’s not just about defending with your back four; sometimes the whole team needs to defend as a unit. Adam’s ability to press from the front and disrupt Atalanta’s rhythm could be exactly what Celtic need in this match.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has faced increasing criticism for the team’s defensive lapses, with many pointing to individual errors and the team’s vulnerability on set pieces. Injuries to key defenders, including Cameron Carter-Vickers, have only added to his woes. While Celtic’s attacking talent is widely regarded as their strength, Rodgers knows that without a solid defensive foundation, progressing in Europe will be difficult.
Rodgers has been experimenting with different tactical setups, and Stewart’s suggestion hints at a more aggressive approach where Celtic would look to win the ball higher up the field. By utilizing Adam in a pressing role, Rodgers could opt for a game plan that focuses on suffocating Atalanta’s build-up play and preventing their dangerous attackers, such as Ademola Lookman and Rasmus Højlund, from gaining momentum.
Adam has emerged as a versatile option in Rodgers’ squad, capable of playing as a winger or through the middle. His energy, pressing ability, and eye for goal have already made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park. In Stewart’s view, Adam could be instrumental in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.
“Atalanta are a team that thrives on space and movement. Adam, with his speed and intelligence, could limit that space, helping to shield Celtic’s defence by ensuring the ball doesn’t reach dangerous areas,” Stewart commented. “If Celtic can press high and disrupt Atalanta’s passing lanes, they stand a much better chance of keeping a clean sheet.”
Whether or not Brendan Rodgers will take Michael Stewart’s advice remains to be seen, but the idea of using Adam to solve defensive issues is certainly an intriguing one. Rodgers has always been a manager open to tactical innovation, and with the stakes so high against Atalanta, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him deploy a more unconventional approach.
For Celtic fans, the hope will be that whatever tactics Rodgers employs, they will be enough to shore up the defence and secure a crucial result in Europe. Whether Adam can indeed be the key to solving Celtic’s defensive woes remains to be seen, but as Michael Stewart points out, sometimes the best form of defence is a good attack.
With Atalanta’s formidable offensive capabilities, Celtic will need every advantage they can muster — and Adam could prove to be an unexpected but vital part of that equation.
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