The 8 statistics behind Diego Laxalt's excellent performance for Celtic in Lille

Diego Laxalt has impressed Celtic fans so far. Picture: SNSDiego Laxalt has impressed Celtic fans so far. Picture: SNS
Diego Laxalt has impressed Celtic fans so far. Picture: SNS
Celtic supporters haven’t been too impressed with the club’s summer recruitment so far this term with big-name signings Shane Duffy and Vasilis Barkas, in particular, coming in for criticism over their recent displays.

But one player they are excited by is Diego Laxalt, the loanee from AC Milan who has hit the ground running in a green-and-white-hooped shirt so far.

The left-back has impressed with his ability to drive forward and help the attack, while he also looks a solid prospect defensively as he’s shared time at wing-back and full-back in his short Parkhead career so far.

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Against Lille on Thursday evening he took his performances up a level. In what was a much-improved performance from Neil Lennon’s men on recent showings, a number of Celtic players stood out, but, along with double-goalscorer Mohamed Elyounoussi, Laxalt was one of those who shone the most.

BT Sport’s official account shared a video showing the 13 tackles the Uruguayan made during the 2-2 draw, but they weren’t the only statistics to stand out from the Europa League encounter. The full list is as follows...

5 - interceptions made

7 - dribbles attempted

13 - tackles made

80 - per cent success rate on forward passes

86 - per cent of defensive duels won

88.5 - pass accuracy

100 - per cent success rate on sliding tackles

Average position – Laxalt was more advanced than midfielders Callum McGregor, Scott Brown and almost level with right-midfielder Ryan Christie.

Having a player in such strong form bodes well for the champions this weekend as they look to end a four-game winless run in the Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Aberdeen.

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