PEOPLE DON’T WATCH THE GAME PROPERLY ANY MORE”  Callum McGregor NAMES CELTIC TEAMMATE AS SCOTTISH FOOTBALL’S MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN FIERY INTERVIEW

In a passionate and brutally honest interview, Callum McGregor has sparked major debate after naming the player he believes is the most underrated at Celtic FC  and possibly one of the most overlooked players in Scottish football.

The Celtic captain, known for his leadership and football intelligence, did not hold back when discussing what he sees as a growing issue in the modern game: how players are judged by supporters and pundits.

“People don’t watch the game properly any more,” McGregor said. “Everything now is about clips, goals, assists, and social media moments. But football is much deeper than that.”

His comments immediately generated discussion among fans, particularly as debates around player performances continue to become increasingly shaped by statistics and online reactions rather than complete performances.

A STRONG VIEW ON MODERN FOOTBALL

McGregor expanded on his criticism by arguing that many players who perform difficult tactical roles are often overlooked because their work does not always appear in highlight compilations.

“You can have a player who controls his side of the pitch for 90 minutes, covers spaces, presses properly, helps teammates, and keeps the team balanced  and people still won’t talk about him because he didn’t score,” he explained. “That tells you how football is viewed now.”

Having spent years at the heart of Celtic’s midfield, McGregor understands the importance of structure and discipline better than most.

“There’s a lot of work in football that goes unnoticed,” he added. “But inside the dressing room, those things matter massively.”

THE ‘INVISIBLE’ SIDE OF FOOTBALL

The Celtic captain then highlighted what he described as the “invisible” side of football the small details supporters may miss during matches but which are vital to team success.

“Positioning, communication, pressing, covering for teammates  those things are huge,” he said. “You need players willing to do the difficult parts of the game every single week.”

At Celtic FC, where expectations remain relentless domestically and in Europe, those qualities become even more important.

“When you play for this club, you can’t switch off,” McGregor continued. “Every role matters.”

After laying out his broader argument, McGregor was asked directly which teammate he believes best represents that underrated role within the squad.

He didn’t hesitate.

“For me, it’s Alistair Johnston,” he said. “No doubt.”

The certainty in his answer immediately caught attention and sparked discussion among supporters online.

“HE DOES SO MUCH PEOPLE DON’T NOTICE”

McGregor was quick to explain exactly why Johnston stands out in his eyes.

“He does so much people don’t notice,” McGregor said. “The intensity he plays with, the recovery runs, the way he helps both defensively and going forward  it’s massive for us.”

Johnston has developed into one of Celtic’s most reliable performers since arriving at the club, combining defensive discipline with attacking energy down the right flank.

“He gives everything every game,” McGregor added. “And he does it consistently.”

A PLAYER THE TEAM RELIES ON

McGregor also highlighted Johnston’s tactical intelligence and understanding of the system.

“You can trust him completely,” he said. “He understands the game, understands his role, and he’s always thinking ahead.”

In modern football, where full-backs are expected to contribute in multiple phases of play, McGregor believes Johnston’s versatility often goes underappreciated.

“It’s not easy playing that position now,” he explained. “You’re expected to defend, attack, press, recover  and he does all of it.”

“YOU NOTICE IT WHEN HE’S NOT THERE”

Another major point raised by McGregor was how much the team misses Johnston when he is unavailable.

“When he’s not playing, you feel it immediately,” he said. “The balance changes, the energy changes. That tells you how important someone is.”

It’s a common theme in football  certain players become most appreciated only in their absence.

CONSISTENCY OVER HIGHLIGHTS

McGregor also argued that Johnston’s consistency is one of the main reasons he deserves more recognition.

“Some players have one big moment and everyone talks about them for weeks,” he said. “But there are players delivering high performances every single game quietly.”

According to McGregor, Johnston belongs firmly in that category.

“You know exactly what you’re getting from him,” he added. “That reliability is massive for a team.”

INSIDE THE DRESSING ROOM RESPECT

While opinions outside the club may vary, McGregor made it clear that Johnston’s value is fully recognised internally.

“In the dressing room, everybody respects him massively,” he said. “Players understand how difficult his role is and how well he performs it.”

That internal respect, McGregor suggested, often matters more than outside praise.

“Footballers see the game differently because we understand the details,” he added.

FANS REACT  DEBATE ERUPTS

As expected, McGregor’s comments quickly divided opinion among supporters.

🗣️ “Alistair Johnston is massively underrated.”

🗣️ “One of Celtic’s most consistent players easily.”

🗣️ “McGregor clearly values players who understand tactics.”

🗣️ “Fans only focus on goals and flair players now.”

The mixed reactions highlight the exact issue McGregor was discussing the difference between visible moments and deeper tactical contribution.

A BIGGER MESSAGE ABOUT MODERN FOOTBALL

While the spotlight now falls on Alistair Johnston, McGregor’s comments go beyond one teammate.

They reflect a broader concern about how football is consumed in the modern era, where clips, statistics, and social media narratives increasingly shape opinions more than complete performances..

By speaking openly, Callum McGregor has challenged supporters to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the finer details that truly make teams successful.

NO DOUBT, NO BACKTRACKING

One thing stood out throughout the interview — McGregor was completely certain in his opinion.

No hesitation. No alternative names. No attempt to soften the claim.

He had his answer.

And he stood by it.

Whether fans agree or not, his message was clear: football is about far more than goals, assists, and highlight clips  and sometimes the most important players are the ones people talk about the least.