Celtic Dominate Scotland Best 11

The Premiership season is effectively over (and Celtic have been playing like it since late April) so it’s time for us here at Full Scottish HQ to name our Scotland best 11 for the 2022-23 campaign. Not surprisingly, Celtic and Rangers make up the bulk of our “squad,” though there are some surprises as well.

By Brian P. Dunleavy

Celtic, Rangers Dominate Scotland Best 11 For 2023

GOALKEEPER

Kelle Roos, Aberdeen

The Dutchman makes our list due to his side’s strong finish to the season, which included seven clean sheets down the stretch. Celtic’s Joe Hart had another solid season and warrants mention here as well.

LEFT BACK

Greg Taylor, Celtic

The former Kilmarnock man has come into his own under Ange Postecoglou, emerging as a reliable defender and crosser of the ball, as well as a team leader. Not bad for a guy many Hoops supporters wanted binned in 2021.

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic
Carl Starfelt, Celtic

Do you think Carter-Vickers brings value to the Hoops’ back line? Since his season ended due to injury following the Scottish Cup semi-final, his teammates have looked lost in their own half, whether Postecoglou wants to admit as much or not. Starfelt, meanwhile, has benefitted greatly from the partnership.

RIGHT BACK

James Tavernier, Rangers

The Ibrox skipper may not be known as a defender, but his leadership and set-piece ability continue to prove invaluable to ’Gers. There may be a rebuild on the way in Govan, but Tavernier should be part of it.

MIDFIELDERS

Callum McGregor, Celtic
Reo Hatate, Celtic
Jonny Hayes, Aberdeen

McGregor is the best player in Scotland. Period. Full stop. Whatever. Go ahead and @ us all you want. Hatate, meanwhile, has channeled some of his raw energy and eliminated most of the error-prone play that typified his play after he first arrived in Glasgow. As for Hayes, call us sentimental, but the 35-year-old Irishman remains a valuable contributor in the Granite City.

FORWARDS

Kevin Nisbet, Hibs
Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic
Jota, Celtic

Yes, Nisbet missed most of the season due to injury—and he’s on his way out of Easter Road—but 11 goals in 16 appearances proves just how dynamic he is. Meanwhile, Celtic’s Kyogo just keeps scoring. And Jota… a sublime footballer, though we nearly included Daizen Maeda here as well.