The SPFL Team of the Week article is released each week, providing readers with a summary of who were considered to be standout performers from that week’s Scottish Premiership matches. Showcasing highlights from all matches played during that week, it allows readers to quickly see which players stood out during every encounter.
Celtic maintained their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League after an impressive 4-1 win against Kilmarnock, featuring left-back Greg Taylor’s 8.58 performance rating as a key component.
Ayo Obileye (Livingston)
Livingston defender Ayo Obileye was named man-of-the-match after leading his side back from behind against Hibs to win 2-1 in regular time. Obileye scored the game-winner with four minutes remaining in regular time and regularly put himself into advantageous positions to take advantage of errors committed by Hibs.
Ayo’s goalscoring record has been stellar with six goals scored from 42 appearances last season – but he acknowledges there is room for growth. After being signed to Queen of the South’s two-year deal in September after stints at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton and Eastleigh, Ayo feels there is room for further development as his scoring rate remains strong.
Ayo has had an outstanding start to 2022/23, scoring twice in three matches thus far and also contributing three dribbles, one tackle, and an interception on Saturday alone.
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David Bates (Aberdeen)
David Bates has become an icon for Scotland thanks to an international career that has seen him travel the globe. Following a stint with Rangers, Hamburg SV of Germany then Cercle Brugge in Belgium before returning home for yet another loan stint with Cercle Brugge this season.
After signing a three-year deal at Pittodrie, Bates has found himself enjoying great form that has won him praise from Jim Goodwin. Bates scored late against Livingston to secure a 2-0 victory on the weekend – an action which earned him inclusion into this week’s team of the week alongside Andy Considine and Joe Lewis.
The Dons have allowed Connor McLennan and Christian Ramirez to leave this summer, though manager Jim Goodwin does not expect either player to join Hearts during the transfer window.
Liel Abada (Celtic)
One of the standout performers in Celtic’s squad this season has been Israeli winger Liel Abada, 21. He won PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year last term and has become an integral member of Ange Postecoglou’s side since joining from Maccabi Petah Tikva.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it a priority this season to create a team capable of taking the game directly to its opponents, which was evident in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Motherwell. Celtic have allowed opponents just 0.59 goals from non-penalty shots this campaign – an impressive performance when compared with Rangers’ 0.68 average average during their title-winning campaign in 2020-21.
Although not a regular starter this term, Abada has still managed to be an influential player at Parkhead this season and ranks fifth on Football Scotland’s list of most influential players with 0.33 expected assists per 90 average expected assists per 90 minutes average expected assists.
Greg Taylor (Kilmarnock)
Greg Taylor has been an integral part of Celtic’s outstanding season this year and scored the winning goal against Hearts last weekend in their 3-2 home win – coming off the bench. A reliable left-back, he looks set to become a contender for individual awards at the end of this campaign.
Ange Postecoglou’s style of play suits him perfectly and it is evident. Moving forward from left back, he looks set to become one of his team’s key defenders in years to come.
Kieran Tierney will miss Scotland’s UEFA Nations League finale against Ukraine due to injury; Taylor appears destined for more international appearances after making progress and approaching seven Scotland caps in recent months.
Anthony Ralston (Celtic)
Anthony Ralston of Celtic FC was recognized with selection into the Scottish Premiership Team of the Week following an outstanding display against Ross County Dons. Ralston started against Ross County and made numerous interceptions throughout a 4-0 win for Celtic, showing all his usual aggressive play and speed to help ensure victory for their side.
Ralston is a 22-year-old right-back who has made 23 appearances for Celtic this season under Ange Postecoglou. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke called up Ralston due to Nathan Patterson being suspended for Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark.
Source: koora live