The quartet of Shayden Morris, Dante Polvara, Ryan Duncan and Jack MacKenzie are all delivering compelling arguments they can be key players for Aberdeen this season.
All four were unable to stamp their authority on a position last season, but against Celtic all four delivered impressive performances to certainly stake a claim for their spots going forward.
I must admit when I looked at the teamsheet before kick-off against Celtic there was a bit of concern at the youth and inexperience in the starting line-up – in particular Morris, Polvara, Duncan and MacKenzie.
Duncan and Morris were starting as wing-backs, with Polvara in midfield and MacKenzie in defence.
They are all young players who weren’t really first-team regulars last season.
However, any concerns I had pre-match were quickly dispelled as those four were excellent and at the top of their game.
Morris was very productive down the right and Duncan did exceptionally well as the left wing-back.
As a wing-back, Morris also handled his defensive duties.
He has talent going forward, but he delivered that mix of causing Celtic a threat, but also being good enough to get back to take on defensive duties.
Duncan looked very comfortable in the left-wing back role and brought real physical presence while also using the ball very well.
MacKenzie was very strong defensively for the second successive game.
In the 0-0 draw at Livingston, MacKenzie also did extremely well and stood up to the physical aspect, particularly against Joel Nouble.
MacKenzie won that battle and also delivered another very good performance against Celtic.
Polavara delivered a strong performance against Celtic, particularly in the first-half.
The American midfielder fell away a little in the second half, but the introduction of Reo Hatate at half-time made a big difference.
Anyone would find it difficult to get the better of possession against Callum McGregor and Hatate.
Ultimately it was a performance you would expect from Aberdeen to set the standard in games against Celtic and Rangers.
There was much more energy and positive play from the Dons.
The tactics were to make it difficult for Celtic and to cause them problems defensively by playing a high line and high-press game.
Aberdeen knocked Celtic off their stride.
Celtic weren’t at their best, but the way Aberdeen played forced them into making errors you would not normally see.
Even though it was a 3-1 defeat, the Dons certainly went out to get a victory.
The responsibility lies with clubs like Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts to make sure it is not a given that Celtic and Rangers will win.
Aberdeen made a statement in terms of intent by making it difficult for Celtic.
In the end, the Premiership champions’ class told and they took the three points.
Although it was a loss, it was a performance which will give Aberdeen supporters hope for the season.
The Dons still need to strengthen further before the transfer window closes because the bench was looking a little weak against Celtic.
Obviously Rhys Williams and Angus MacDonald have been out injured.
However, the likelihood is Aberdeen will pick up injuries due to the number of games they are playing with the European campaign.
It is vital the squad is strengthened.
Left-back James McGarry is manager Barry Robson’s ninth signing of the summer window.
He looks to be a quality signing having won the A-League title with Central Coast Mariners in Australia.
That should not be the end of it, and Robson said he is looking to take in another three or four signings.
Time is running out as the window will slam shut very soon.
If Robson is looking at another three or four players coming in, there is still plenty work to do.
Robson made just one change in the games against Celtic and Livingston – that tells you he is maybe a little short of resources to dig into to make changes in games.
More signings will be needed to confront the European campaign.
So we can only hope more quality comes in before the transfer window closes.
Devlin bounced back from mistake
I am confident Aberdeen defender Nicky Devlin will have no hangover from his costly mistake in the 3-1 loss to Celtic.
Devlin made a bad error with his header back that was intercepted by Kyogo Furuhashi.
You cannot gift a player of Furuhashi’s quality an opportunity like that, and he punished the mistake by shooting beyond Kelle Roos.
Devlin has been around long enough to realise when you make a mistake like that you just have to put your hands up and admit to it.
You also have to make sure you respond positively to it, which he did.
To his credit Devlin didn’t crumble or let that error affect his game.
He was obviously shattered for a few minutes after it due to the importance of the goal.
It came not long after Aberdeen had levelled through Bojan Miovski to make it 1-1 after all.
Devlin also nearly recovered enough to race back to get a challenge on Furuhashi, but the attacker’s first touch was so good it set up the shot.
🗣️ "Disaster for Devlin…a gift for Celtic!"
Kyogo takes advantage of an Aberdeen mistake and gives Celtic a 2-1 lead. pic.twitter.com/7d3RvqtKxW
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 13, 2023
It was a major error from the summer signing, but I think Devlin addressed that mentally and put it to the back of his mind.
Then he went on to show after the error that he is a good signing who is strong defensively.
Later in the match Devlin made a superb block just a yard off the line to prevent what would surely have been a certain goal.
He has proven he is a player who can bounce back and still take on responsibility and perform.
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