With this weekend’s final round of fixtures, the 2021-22 Premiership season in Scotland comes to a close. In addition to wondering what we’ll do without the “fitba” for the next couple of months, we’ve been putting a lot of thought into our Full Scottish team of the season. Here’s our Best 11 in Scotland.
The Full Scottish Best 11 for 2021-22
by Brian P. Dunleavy
GOALKEEPER: Craig Gordon, Hearts
Hard to leave Gordon off the list, given that he was the league’s Player of the Year for some. An impressive third-place finish, one season after promotion to the top flight, and a potential Scottish Cup medal didn’t hurt his candidacy at all, either.
LEFT BACK: Josep Juranovic, Celtic
Yes, we’re playing Juranovic out of position, much like Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou did for much of the season. Juranovic is a top defender, but it’s his pace, crossing and set-piece and penalty-taking prowess that set him apart—wherever he plays.
DEFENDER: Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic
Postecoglou is still hoping to sign the Tottenham loanee permanently, and rightfully so. He’s the best the Hoops have had on the back line since Virgil van Dijk.
DEFENDER: John Souttar, Hearts
Injuries limited Souttar to 31 appearances for Hearts this term, but he remains among the best players in the country and is still only 25.
RIGHT BACK: James Tavernier, Rangers
The ’Gers captain still holds the keys for the Ibrox side, which has reached a Europa League final and could also take home the Scottish Cup. Eighteen goals from right back—remarkable.
MIDFIELDER: Callum McGregor, Celtic
The best player in Scotland this season, bar none. He provides it all—leadership, talent, drive and will to win. Could have headed to England for money but remained loyal to the club he first signed for at age 7.
MIDFIELDER: Tom Rogic, Celtic
The Aussie announced this week that this will be his last season in Glasgow, and he will leave big boots to fill. When fit, among the most talented to ever take the pitch in the Prem, and he has a knack for scoring the big goal, too.
MIDFIELDER: Joe Aribo, Rangers
Mr. Everything at Ibrox. An unheralded signing from Charlton in summer 2019… what a return.
MIDFIELDER: Lewis Ferguson, Aberdeen
The Dons’ lost season doesn’t take the shine off Ferguson, who at 22 is one of Scotland’s bright young stars.
STRIKER: Regan Charles-Cook, Ross County
Such is the season that the Englishman had—13 goals in league play—that he eclipses some of the big-name stars at Glasgow’s big two. At 25, by far his best season as a pro.
STRIKER: Georgios Giakoumakis, Celtic
With 11 league goals, edges out his flashier teammate, Kyogo. His work rate is astounding.