Nawrocki vs Mbuyamba ranked as Celtic wanted central defenders offer compelling transfer cases

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was quick to point out that the six goals Yokohama Marinos fired past his side on Wednesday should come with several caveats.

And he is 100 per cent correct. A draining flight, searing heat and multiple absences in what essentially was the Irishman's first proper encounter back after two bounce games against Portimonense. But it would be remiss to completely write off the multiple defensives gaffes and mental errors which took place during a bonkers 90 minutes in Japan.

Make no mistake about it, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are the Treble winners' star turns in their back four. Carl Starfelt has more than proved any doubters of his ability but the sturdy Swede is never better than when the Fridge is plugged in alongside him. Greg Taylor has improved every season but it would be fair to note his best displays have come in the inverted role Ange Postecoglou believed in. So what next? Yuki Kobayashi has yet to fully convince and Stephen Welsh has quite the fan club despite a hit and miss season.

Celtic have been linked with a pair of central defenders in the last 24 hours. Volendam's Xavier Mbuyamba is back on the agenda and Legia Warsaw's Maik Nawrocki can count Rodgers' side among his suitors. But who would be the better fit if only was to make the move to Glasgow's east end? Record Sport runs the rule over the pair to see who stands out.

The beautiful game has changed, of that there is no doubt, but even the most pass heavy teams in world football need their defenders to defend. Meet 21-year-old Mbuyamba and German-born Polish international Nawrocki who is 10 months his senior. Both played 30 games for their clubs respectively last season so it is the perfect sample size.