Stephen McGinn on what seperated Callum McGregor from the rest for Celtic in ‘special’ Leipzig win

The Celtics’ strong start to the season, which culminated in their thrilling Champions League triumph over RB Leipzig on Tuesday, has been led by captain Callum McGregor.

After speaking with Steve Clarke, the Lennoxtown product decided to retire from Scotland service, and since then, he has improved greatly, scoring four goals and dishing out one assist this season.

However, after playing a pivotal role in creating the framework for moves in his deep-lying midfield role, Callum McGregor’s performance for Celtic against Leipzig was by far his best of the season.

The Bhoys captain threaded six passes into the final third, created one chance and maintained a 96% pass accuracy percentage (77/80) while on the pitch, according to stat-trackers Fotmob.

Notably, McGregor maintained composure in the lead-up to Reo Hatate’s game-winning goal, holding onto the ball in a confined space before setting the Hoops on their path to a three-point victory.

Stephen McGinn has now gone into more detail about why the former Scotland international was nearly unplayable against a top-tier opponent.

Stephen McGinn discusses the performance of Callum McGregor against Leipzig

On the Go Radio Football Show, McGinn praised McGregor’s poise throughout the altercation, focussing on his role in the third goal as what sets him apart from the others.

He said: “Callum McGregor was exceptional the other night; his performance against a top team was simply amazing.” He actually had three Leipzig players after him, even after the third goal.

As many of us shady midfielders would have done, I believe I would simply go straight ahead, wait for them to make contact with you from behind, fall on top of the ball and receive a foul.

“It’s a really special night because Callum McGregor has the composure to play that extra pass, find a pass, and Celtic out, which ends the game.

“He had a great night because, as I mentioned, I thought it would take Celtic to have a big defensive midfielder in there to produce that, but it didn’t.”

For Celtic, Callum McGregor sets the bar high.

Whether playing domestically or in the Champions League, McGregor is Celtic’s go-to guy on important occasions and is always willing to give himself as an engine room option.

Together with his outstanding leadership and never-say-die mentality, you have a captain who has won 22 trophies at Parkhead and isn’t content to stop there in his quest for more accomplishments.

Even though McGregor is still in charge of the midfield, Celtic supporters cherish him and acknowledge his vital contribution to games like the Bhoys’ outstanding triumph over Leipzig.

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