Celtic player ratings vs Stuttgart as stats experts name key culprits of Europa League dismay

Celtic were dismantled 4-1 in their Europa League clash with Stuttgart, as they look bound to exit the tournament at the knockout round play-off stage.

Amid a Premiership title race in which they currently sit third and three points off leaders Hearts with a game in hand, some could have argued the domestic scene was where it was at for boss Martin O’Neill and co. As the manager said himself, the Hoops were prepared to give it a go against Bundesliga opposition, a year on from challenging German giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

This would be a stern test and they weren’t helped by how they started this game. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been met with criticism this season and the away side’s opener didn’t help his cause, a bad kick from Celtic’s stopper gifting Stuttgart possession and the following shot from Bilal El Khannouss passed him by. Close to him and without much power, pressure will grow on the experienced Dane.

Benjamin Nygren hit back for the hosts as a equally dire defensive moment for Stuttgart allowed the Swede to nick the ball and knock home a leveller. El Khannouss would again put those in red ahead, a crossed ball deflected, taking an age to come down before the attacker headed home with plenty of space. Again Schmeichel was left exposed by Jamie Lewelling’s low effort that he could only claw on its way past him, and the fourth by Tiago Tomas in second half stoppage time looks likely to be the knockout blow.

They haven’t lost many since a beloved boss of the past returned but this was a sobering night they’ll want to forget in a hurry, even with a second leg still to contest. Next up for O’Neill and co is a clash with Hibs as they look to keep pace on the domestic scene. Here’s how stats experts WhoScored rated the Celtic players at Parkhead.

Kasper Schmeichel - 5.3/10

A dire moment cost his side a goal and reaction to it not great either. Third goal has to be dealt with better too. Real question marks over how long he can continue in the team.

Julian Araujo - 5.7/10

Part of a defence that conceded four. Not a block in sight for third Stuttgart goal and lowest rated outfielder

Auston Trusty - 6.1/10

Nowhere for the second goal. Not a commanding night as the attackers launched chance after chance.

Liam Scales - 6.1/10

Another that was caught ball-watching a bit at second goal but not the worst offender. Fourth goal he’s beaten all ends up.

Kieran Tierney - - 6.1/10

Didn’t impact the game in an attacking sense and defence shipped four goals, marginally denied conceding by five through VAR.

Callum McGregor - 6.1/10

Looks to pull away from a tackle in build-up to potentially pivotal fourth goal. Game got away from him after carrying the fight initially. One of the better performers.

Benjamin Nygren - 7/10

This game summed him up. Pounces really well to score the leveller, but general play lacking, and totally loses his runner in second goal.

Paulo Bernardo - 5.9/10

Quiet night on an evening he could have staked his claim for more regular starting berths. One of poorer ranked performers.

Sebastian Tounekti - 6.1/10

Looked up against it in an attacking and defensive sense, seemed hesitant. Celtic great Pat Bonner said upon the break: “It's a tactical situation that Celtic have to get right at half-time. Vagnoman is getting so high up the pitch for Stuttgart and Tounekti is struggling.

Tomas Cvancara - 6.3/10

Holds the ball up well but is he the man to fire goals consistently for Celtic? Jury is out.

Daizen Maeda - 6.1/10

Decline in performances continued. Didn’t drive the ball forward enough or take enough opponents on.

Subs used: Saracchi, McCowan, Iheanacho, Hatate, Yang.