Remember about three weeks ago everyone was incensed at Joe Worrall for Livingston? The Katic or Worrall debate was big news.
Fans were especially dumbfounded when he was named again four days later against Rapid Vienna. How, they cried, could Nikola Katic be deposed for the highly rated centre back? After some huge performances, it felt like the Croatian didn’t deserve his demotion to the bench.
After today the decision from the gaffer was proved right. Even if Hamilton scored almost immediately after Nikola Katic had been subbed.
Katic was hooked for Worrall with 15 minutes to go and the Croatian had a very poor game. His passing was misplaced. He rushed his time on the ball. He was slack with his tackling.
His one saving grace is he was, as he routinely is, superb in the air.
But his replacement Worrall has performed in two big matches. In them, his composure and but also his maturity make the Englishman stand out in the Katic or Worrall debate. He just seems more level headed. Both play with their heart on their sleeves, but sometimes Katic seems to lose concentration in doing so.
He cares and it’s brilliant but Worrall looks the more reliable choice.
Katic a raw talent but trying too hard
It was evident today Nikola Katic was maybe trying a little too hard. More than make mistakes, he acted frustratedly to them.
At the same time as being an important first team player, Katic is also one for the future. He’s only 21. He’s learning. This competition with a player of similar age and ability is a challenge for him.
One he needs to rise to.
At the minute, Joe Worrall is winning that competition for Steven Gerrard.
