Is More Defending Better?

It can be complicated...or even complex

One of the topics that is likely to remain widely discussed and debated over the coming weeks and months will be Callum McGregor, how he ages, and what role he will play at Celtic through the duration of his historic tenure.

This column is an exploration into how easy it can be to fall into simple narratives and performance attribution conclusions, when reality is far more complicated. As part of this exercise, I am comparing two rather extreme seasons for which I have more robust data: 2015-2016 and the current 2024-2025.

Why have I selected these two seasons? The first metric in the graphic above is a starting point, with Ronny Deila’s last season containing a heavy does of double pivot tactical setups in possession. For much of that season, Nir Bitton and Scott Brown, whom many would likely consider more defensively-focused midfielders, were part of or even shared the double pivot.