Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at Celtic has already brought a breath of fresh air to Parkhead, and nowhere is that more evident than in the rapid rise of Benjamin Nygren. As the Scottish giants prepared to face Livingston at The Home of the Set Fare Arena this weekend, all eyes were on Nancy’s evolving vision for the team—and the Swedish midfielder who has quickly become central to it.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Celtic supporters. The club, eager to bounce back from a mixed run of results, notched a convincing 3-1 win over Aberdeen last Sunday. Benjamin Nygren opened the scoring, only for Kenan Bilalovic to draw Aberdeen level. But late goals from Kieran Tierney and James Forrest sealed the deal for Nancy’s men, giving the new boss his first win in charge. Now, with a crucial William Hill Premiership clash against Livingston looming, the spotlight is firmly on both the manager’s tactical approach and his faith in emerging stars.
“When I was in Columbus, I wanted to have him. So I know him really well. I know what he can do. I think that he has a big potential. He hasn’t reached yet his potential. But I think that in terms of relation, connection with players. This is a player of relation. So he likes to… This is not a dribbler. His ability is to make the run for his teammates but also the technique that he has. So now he knows that he has to be stronger. He has to believe a little bit more in himself. But I like what I’ve seen so far. But I will challenge him,” Nancy told reporters, reflecting on his longstanding admiration for Nygren and his plans to push the player to new heights.
That admission, made public on December 27, 2025, adds fresh context to Nygren’s growing influence at Celtic. Nancy’s interest in the midfielder dates back to his days at Columbus, revealing that this is no accidental success story. Instead, it’s the result of a manager who knows exactly what he wants from his squad—and a player who fits that blueprint to a tee.
Nygren’s role in Nancy’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation is no accident. Deployed as one of two number tens behind the striker, the Swede has thrived in a system that values movement, intelligence, and link play over flashy dribbling. His knack for drifting inside, finding pockets of space, and arriving late in the box has made him a nightmare for defenders and a vital cog in Celtic’s attacking machinery. It’s no wonder supporters have taken to him so quickly—his contributions have come at a time when injuries and squad gaps have forced the club to lean heavily on midfielders for goals.
“His goals against Livingston showed that sharp sense of timing and space,” Nancy remarked, highlighting how Nygren’s positional awareness has already paid dividends. The manager’s comments also underscore the delicate balance he strikes between encouragement and challenge. While Nancy is quick to praise Nygren’s technical ability and team-first mentality, he’s just as eager to see the player push beyond his current level. “He has to be stronger. He has to believe a little bit more in himself,” Nancy insisted, making it clear that the journey is far from over.
For Nygren, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the title race as tight as ever, Celtic need players who can influence matches without the entire system revolving around them. Nygren’s ability to play between the lines, link up with teammates, and pop up with crucial goals has made him indispensable in Nancy’s evolving setup. The trust between manager and player is palpable—and it’s built on more than just recent form. Nancy’s earlier attempt to sign Nygren speaks volumes about his long-term vision and the type of football he wants to bring to Glasgow.
The context of Nancy’s arrival is important here. He’s not merely tinkering with the squad he inherited; he’s actively shaping it according to a clear philosophy. Nygren’s emergence as a key figure is a testament to that vision. The Swede isn’t being asked to dazzle with tricks or solo runs. Instead, he’s trusted to move intelligently, connect attacks, and make the team tick. It’s a role that suits him—and one that Nancy believes he can make his own for years to come.
The upcoming match against Livingston, scheduled for Saturday, December 27, at 3pm, carries added significance. Not only does it offer Nancy a chance to build on his first win as Celtic boss, but it also provides Nygren with another platform to showcase his talents. The match, part of the William Hill Premiership, is being broadcast live on Sky Sports’ Football and Main Event channels, thanks to special SPFL dispensation allowing 3pm kickoffs to be televised over the festive period. Fans can also stream the action via Sky Sports’ NOW UK service, ensuring that no one misses a moment of what promises to be a pivotal encounter.
Recent results have been a mixed bag for Celtic. The 3-1 victory over Aberdeen was a much-needed boost, following defeats to Dundee United (2-1), St Mirren (3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup), Roma (0-3 in the Europa League), and Heart of Midlothian (1-2). With the festive fixture list in full swing and the pressure mounting, consistency is the name of the game. Nancy’s ability to get the best out of players like Nygren could well be the difference as the season unfolds.
For supporters, the narrative is straightforward. Nygren is trusted, well understood, and expected to keep improving. His role as a number ten in Nancy’s 3-4-2-1 is tailor-made for his strengths, and the manager’s faith in him is rooted in years of careful observation and planning. Whether Celtic can maintain their momentum and mount a sustained title challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: with Nancy at the helm and Nygren pulling the strings, the club’s future looks a whole lot brighter.
As the action gets underway at The Home of the Set Fare Arena, all eyes will be on Celtic’s new-look attack—and the partnership between a manager with a plan and a player determined to rise to the occasion. The road ahead is long, but if recent performances are any indication, both Nancy and Nygren are just getting started.