The title of possession kings of Europe: Celtic dominate with 71 per

When asked to think of the all-dominant, possession hungry sides of European football, you probably picture the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or the Arsenal of yesteryear... but certainly not Celtic.

Statistics have shown however that Brendan Rodgers' men are leading the way this season when it comes to retaining the football, and are showing the likes of Barca and Madrid exactly how it should be done.

Across European football's 35 leagues the green and white men of Parkhead are setting a stellar example in on-field domination, and hold an impressive 71 per cent average rate of ball possession.

The figure puts Barca's 61.4 per cent to shame, while Madrid can only manage 61.1 per cent.

Only Barca of the Spanish giants find themselves in the top 10 sides, with Madrid sitting in 23rd place.

Celtic's closest rivals come in the form of German outfit Borussia Dortmund, who sit in second with a 70.2 per cent.

Paris Saint Germain, Shaktar Donetsk and Manchester City make up the remainder of the top five, with only Tottenham joining City in the top 20 as representatives from the Premier League.

Manchester United only manage to place in 73rd position, while Arsenal wallow in 83rd.

For Rodgers' Celtic the season has got off to a blistering start as usual, and peaked recently with a win over bitter rivals Rangers.

The Hoops ran the game from start to finish, taking a comfortable 2-0 scoreline and a vital three points.

Under Rodgers Celtic completed the incredible feat of going the entirety of the domestic season undefeated last year, scooping a treble of silverware along the way.