Dundee United's Midfield: A Force to Be Reckoned With?

Is Dundee United's midfield trio the best in the Scottish Premiership? With Zidane Iqbal pulling the strings, that’s the hot topic after Jim Goodwin’s men secured a gritty 2-2 draw against Celtic, preventing the champions from extending their lead at the top. Despite the draw, which leaves United in fifth place due to a win by city rivals Dundee, Goodwin had mixed feelings. He lamented the missed opportunity to claim victory at Celtic Park for the first time since 1992, a streak of 52 matches. However, both Goodwin and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, along with BBC pundits, praised United for giving the reigning champions a tough test. The midfield trio of Iqbal, Lyall Cameron, and Dylan Tait dominated the first half, only to see the match shift after Celtic introduced wingers Jota and Haissem Hassan at halftime. Tom English, chief sports writer for BBC Radio Scotland, posed the question: "Do Dundee United have the best midfield three in Scotland right now?" Former United player Allan Preston chimed in, mentioning Iqbal's impressive performance in the first half. "He was pulling the strings, and Celtic couldn’t get close to him," Preston said, describing Iqbal as the engine of the team. Goodwin praised his players' resilience, while Scott Allan noted Iqbal’s leadership alongside Tait and Cameron. He remarked on their ability to remain composed under pressure, stating, "They have a great understanding, and their ball control is impressive, especially at a venue like Celtic Park." Allan continued, highlighting their calmness and willingness to take their time moving the ball around, allowing them to exploit space when Celtic pressed. The midfield's effectiveness was evident, with Tait making more progressive passes into the final third than any other United player. It’s not just the players getting recognition; Goodwin's managerial tactics are also being acknowledged. Allan pointed out that Goodwin executed a solid game plan, leading to a six-game unbeaten streak for United. Yet, the second half saw Celtic apply intense pressure, forcing United to defend deeply after Liam Scales' equalizer. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner expressed that Dundee United deserved their point, commending their organization and the skill throughout the squad. "Jim's got something special brewing with this team," he said. Though Goodwin was frustrated about narrowly missing the top six last season, he has observed a shift in style this year, inspired by the success of Jens Berthel Askou at Motherwell. The team’s current unbeaten run stands in contrast to a rough patch of just one win in seven games. Reflecting on the draw, Goodwin noted, "October has been a good month for us. There’s disappointment in the dressing room for not securing all three points, but their substitutions brought new life to their game." He acknowledged the importance of maintaining momentum, especially in the face of Celtic's relentless play. O'Neill, who once coached Goodwin as a youth at Celtic, praised him post-match, stating, "He’s doing a remarkable job, and the confidence in his team is evident." As Dundee United continues to impress, the question remains: can they build on this momentum and solidify their status as a top midfield force in Scotland?