Let’s cut to the chase: the argument about nationality is a distraction. What matters is what a player brings to the team — the grit, the pressing, the ability to shield the back line and recycle possession. We didn’t have enough of that in the second half this past weekend, and people arguing the toss about passports are missing the point.

Not about where someone comes from

To be fair, most supporters expect the same standards from every player. It isn’t about whether someone is Scottish or not. It’s about effort, positioning, awareness and the sort of midfield energy that changes games. You can see why folk get wound up: when a game slips away and the midfield looks flat, everyone wants explanations. Nationality isn’t one of them.

The number 6 isn’t a goals-and-assists slot

There’s also a recurring misunderstanding about the defensive midfielder role. If you’re judging a number 6 purely on goals and assists, you’re looking at the wrong column. The job is about breaking lines, winning duels, covering space and initiating transitions. Even world-class examples aren’t prolific in the goals column — Rodri’s numbers are a reminder that the position is judged on subtler stuff over hundreds of games.

Club responsibility and making the best of it

Yes, I agree our options in that area don’t look good right now. That’s not a new observation; it’s a gap that’s been visible for a few seasons. The club need to address it properly. Until they do, though, the truth is we’ve got to shuffle the pack and make the best use of what’s available. Pragmatism, not prejudice, should guide selections and debate.

I don’t mean to be abrasive, but the tone of some conversations is getting tiresome. We can criticise honestly without drifting into lazy, unhelpful points about nationality. Let’s focus on the actual football instead — energy, shape and the role that a number 6 should perform.

Written by Angus1812: 19 March 2026

Tags: tactics match-review