Scales Gets 7.5, Engels With 5.5 | Celtic Players Rated In Their Draw Against Rangers | OneFootball

Despite a shocking defeat against the minnows Kairat Almaty in the Champions League playoff, Celtic are going strong in the Premiership, having maintained an all-win record without conceding any, ahead of travelling across the town to lock horns with Rangers in the season’s first Old Firm clash. Although they maintained their clean sheet record, the lack of intent and courage from both ends resulted in an insipid scoreless draw at Ibrox.

Below are the Celtic players rated in their 0-0 draw against Rangers.

Kasper Schmeichel: 7

The veteran Dane was not at all tested, except for the disallowed John Souttar goal. One more clean sheet for the veteran Dane, his sixth so far in all competitions.

Anthony Ralston: 7

Could have been the weak defensive link due to his lack of involvement in the recent past. But the Scotsman did his job with calmness and composure against the pace and flair of Mikey Moore, and later Oliver Antman. His crosses and long balls were not effective enough.

Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5

Another solid display from the towering centre-half. Dominated the duels, dealt the one-on-one situations, and exhibited his ball-playing expertise from the heart of the backline.

Liam Scales: 7.5

Was in the right place at the right time while partnering with Carter-Vickers in deep defence. Showed his aerial supremacy in duels and clearances, and also made several no-nonsense clearances to frustrate the hosts.

Kieran Tierney: 7

Made marauding runs down the left, had an attempt on target, but, at the same time, performed his defensive duties with trackbacks, recoveries and tackles. Still not fit enough to play 90 minutes, as he made way for Marcelo Saracchi, their latest recruit, midway through the second half.

Callum McGregor: 7

Battled it well in the centre of the pitch with Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron. Did not let the Gers control the midfield game; however, their change of shape prevented him from making down-the-middle runs and ball progression.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 31: Daizen Maeda of Celtic is challenged by Nasser Djiga of Rangers during the Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Arne Engels: 5.5

Was handed a rare start in his preferred ‘number 8’ spot. Played a few passes into the final third, but he hardly won a duel in midfield before making way for James Forrest twenty minutes into the second half.

Reo Hatate: 7

Was combative in the middle of the park. Tested Jack Butland from outside the box, as the Celts’ Japanese ace put in tireless efforts to make things high up the pitch. Was replaced by Luke McCowan minutes before the final whistle.

Benjamin Nygren: 6.5

Started from the right-hand side of Brendan Rodgers ‘front three’. Cut inside a few times to link up with Daizen Maeda. Won an array of tackles in and around the attacking third, but was largely unsuccessful with his dribbling attempts.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha: 6.5

Completed his move in time to be registered for the Old Firm derby. Showed his spark down the left with dribbles and directness. Made way for Shin Yamada midway through the second half.

Daizen Maeda: 6

Continues to struggle up top as he neither caused enough threat as a ‘number 9’ nor from the left after Yamada’s arrival. Had the fewest touches of any outfield player to play the entire game.

Celtic Subs vs Rangers

James Forrest: 6

Was brought in to add his experience and expertise on the right. Failed to make any impact other than a couple of quick one-twos.

Shin Yamada: 6

Engaged in a few duels while spearheading the attack. Still needs time to attune to the grind and aggression of Scottish football.

Marcelo Saracchi: 6

Made his debut as a second-half substitute. Could not make any notable contribution.