Liam Scales named Europe’s most important centre-back in major football analysis
Celtic defender Liam Scales has been ranked as the most physically and tactically important centre-back to his team in a new European study.
The Republic of Ireland international topped the rankings compiled by the CIES Football Observatory, using data from SkillCorner, with an overall importance score of 1.296.
Scales finished ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko (1.249) and former Barcelona and Chelsea star Marcos Alonso (1.227).
The study assessed players across eight physical and tactical categories, including endurance, speed, explosiveness, dynamism, commitment, availability, effectiveness and risk-taking.
Each player was evaluated relative to others in their position and within their own team, with the rankings reflecting their overall importance to their side’s playing system.
Once considered a peripheral figure at the club, the 28-year-old established himself as a first-team regular under Brendan Rodgers and has continued to play an influential role under Martin O’Neill.
The Celtic manager has repeatedly praised the Irishman’s performances, recently describing him as “absolutely exceptional”.
Scales also scored the winning goal in Celtic’s 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock last weekend.
